Arsenal identify 23-year-old as number one target

Arsenal have reportedly earmarked Espanyol midfielder Marc Roca as their prime target when the transfer window reopens at the end of the season.

The Gunners are likely to part ways with Daniel Ceballos when his season-long loan from Real Madrid expires in the summer and reports claim that the Spaniard has no intention of re-signing for the club on a permanent deal.

According to The Star, the north London giants are already looking into a replacement for the midfielder and they have identified Roca as their number one option.

Roca was initially offered to the Gunners during the previous summer transfer window but they opted to reject the advances in order to sign Ceballos on a temporary basis.

However, it appears that manager Mikel Arteta has been impressed with the qualities of the left-footed midfielder and the club have re-entered the race to sign the 23-year-old.

Roca, who has previously attracted interest from Inter Milan and Bayern Munich, has a £35m buy-out clause. The Gunners are aiming to sign him for a lesser fee with Espanyol staring at the genuine prospect of relegation.