Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Alban Lafont, Top Rumours

Arsenal are reportedly interested in refreshing their ranks between the posts by targeting one of France's best young goalkeepers. It's a desire that's leading manager Arsene Wenger to consider teenage Toulouse stopper Alban Lafont, who has impressed Gunners scouts.

But Wenger and Arsenal face some strong competition for the developing talent.

In fact, the Frenchman is reportedly vying with Premier League rivals Watford for the 17-year-old, according to L'Equipe (h/t TalkSport). The report detailed the extent of the Gunners' interest: "Arsenal have since been tracking the youngster and scouts have returned home with glowing reports."

However, Watford have also been working hard to assess Lafont and are ready to conclude a deal soon: "Like their Premier League rivals, the Hornets have been scouting the Frenchman and want him to move to Vicarage Road in January."

Watford may be keen, but Arsenal's links with Lafont appear stronger. Another report from L'Equipe (h/t TalkSport) detailed how the Gunners began scouting the youthful 'keeper as soon as he made his first-team debut as a 16-year-old last season.

Recruiting a burgeoning young star between the posts makes sense for Arsenal, especially when first-choice goalkeeper Petr Cech is now 34 years old. Backup David Ospina is younger at 28, but Wenger might find it difficult to keep the Colombian around beyond this season if he's not starting.

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Argentinian Emiliano Martinez hasn't quite panned out, so the onus is on Wenger to identify and acquire a qualified long-term successor. Lafont looks the part, as a precocious stopper already building an impressive reputation.

Back in January, Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Aaron Flanagan of the Daily Mirror) ranked Lafont 34 out of the top 50 on a list of the world's leading under-20 stars. A high opinion in Italy is being revealed by mooted interest from some of the country's biggest clubs, with Serie A giants Juventus also keeping tabs on the gifted goalie, according to L'Equipe (h/t Get French Football News).

However, Toulouse have been spurred into action and are moving to try to secure the future of their brightest young thing. French source Le 10 Sport (h/t Tom Coast of Sport Witness) revealed the Ligue 1 side is ready to offer a contract renewal to the player who only inked his first professional terms this summer.

Lafont is on Wenger's radar, but the Gunners chief may already have a quality young goalkeeper on the books. Arsenal have recently signed 17-year-old Joao Virginia to a first professional contract, per Arash Hekmat of the Daily Mirror.

He revealed how Virginia has wowed key members of the north London club's youth setup: "He has impressed Academy Manager Andries Jonker with a string of fine performances, notably helping the Gunners win the Under-17 ABN AMRO Future Cup last season."

Hekmat also noted how Virginia made a trio of saves in a penalty shootout against Anderlecht in the final. The teenager's rapid progress is welcome for a club needing fresh talent to emerge at this position.

Wenger couldn't turn AS Roma loanee Wojciech Szczesny into a credible No. 1, despite the Poland international's immense early promise. Matt Macey and others have also struggled to stand out.

Securing the sought-after Lafont would be a minor coup for Wenger, who built his reputation by plucking hidden gems from France's top flight.