Arsenal leading the race to sign Spanish midfielder

Arsenal are reportedly regarded as the firm favourites to sign Marc Roca from Espanyol this summer.

Roca has been identified as one of Mikel Arteta's preferred targets for the next transfer window and the Gunners had opened talks with the Spanish outfit over the midfielder prior to the lockdown.

Of late, the likes of AC Milan and Real Madrid have been credited with an interest in the player's signature but Milan News claims that the north London side are in the driving seat to sign the 23-year-old.

Espanyol are presently in a relegation battle in the Spanish La Liga and it is claimed that the Gunners could land the midfielder at a lower price than his £40m release clause, if they are unable to beat the drop.

Roca is a defensive midfielder by trade. He has been a regular for Espanyol, who have been rooted to the bottom of the table for most of the current campaign.