Arsenal and Newcastle chasing Dayann Methalie

Newcastle United and Arsenal are in contact with Ligue 1 side Toulouse as they both pursue a transfer deal to sign 19-year-old defender Dayann Methalie. The France youth international has only recently made his debut for his club, but has appeared for France's youth international side at every level, and is now widely expected to take the next step in his career and move to the Premier League.

Arsenal's pursuit of Methalie comes as the club struggles with several injuries in the defensive department, and Mikel Arteta could be forced to bring in another left-back as there remains uncertainty over the fitness of Riccardo Calafiori, the club's first-choice left back, and recent form of Myles Lewis-Skelly has been a minor concern at the Emirates Stadium.

Newcastle, on the other hand, have had a disappointing start to their Premier League season and are seeking reinforcements in defence, as manager Eddie Howe has been given a transfer budget in excess of £50 million to spend on new faces this month. Methalie appears to be at the top of Howe's transfer wishlist.