Arsenal to battle Chelsea for French star?

Arsenal could go head-to-head with Chelsea to sign Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix this summer

The Gunners recently suffered a big setback as William Saliba picked up a back injury while playing for France in the World Cup semi-final.

The Frenchman's injury situation will be assessed in the coming days, and reports claim that he could be sidelined for the next four to five months.

This could urge the Gunners to pursue an experienced cover for him, and Lacroix is one of the names being discussed internally among the hierarchy.

Chelsea have already made their move for the Palace centre-back, but they are still reluctant to meet the reported £55 million valuation for the 26-year-old.

Arsenal have a good working relationship with the Eagles, having signed Eberechi Eze last summer. Eze was close to joining Spurs before the Gunners hijacked the deal.

The Gunners will be aiming to get one over the Blues, who recently beat them to the signature of Aston Villa winger Morgan Rogers.