Arsenal and Real Madrid set to battle it out for Porto star Hector Herrera
The 28-year-old's current deal runs out next summer and Arsenal could swoop in January to secure a cut-price fee or even a pre-contract agreement
ARSENAL and Real Madrid will battle it out to try and sign Porto midfielder Hector Herrera, according to reports.
The Mexican star is out of contract next summer and is expected to move away from the Portuguese giants.
With Aaron Ramsey reportedly on his way to AC Milan next year, Herrera could be the man to replace him in the Arsenal midfield.
But it is understood the Gunners will not only face competition from the Champions League holders but some of Europe's biggest clubs.
According to the , Unai Emery is keen to try and secure a deal for the 28-year-old star.
That could either be for a cut-price fee in January with his contract nearing its conclusion or a Bosman deal could be agreed in the winter to sign Herrera on a free next summer.
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But Real Madrid appear to be first in line as things stand, with new boss Julen Lopetegui meeting with the Porto player during the international break, according to .
The pair worked together when Lopetegui was Porto manager between 2014 and 2016 and it is thought Herrera is keen for a move to a bigger league.
According to , Roma are also tracking the midfielder.
Meanwhile, European heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are also understood to be monitoring the situation.
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Arsenal's new midfielders Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira have had differing starts to their Premier League careers, with the former starting all four games so far.
But Torreira has overcome a minor knock from international duty and could be picked from the outset as Arsenal travel to Newcastle on Saturday.