Representatives for promising Lille midfielder Amadou Onana have begun discussions with Arsenal regarding a potential summer transfer.

The Gunners are interested in the 20-year-old, but rival London clubs will challenge Mikel Arteta’s team, according to RMC Sport.

Arsenal’s other centre midfielder is Albert Sambi Lokonga.

However, despite only starting three league games since November, the Belgian has failed to establish himself as a key player.

A year ago, the Belgium international transferred from Hamburg to Lille for £6 million.

And, after impressing in his first season in France, he has already been linked with a move to the Premier League.

Arteta is believed to be interested in the defensive midfielder, who stands 6 feet 5 inches tall.

Onana was called up to the senior Belgium squad for the first time last month as a result of his outstanding club performances. He earned his first cap during the team’s loss against the Netherlands.

Other unidentified London clubs are apparently interested in the midfielder, according to Sacha Tavolieri of RMC Sport, so the Gunners may need to act quickly to finalise the deal.

Onana made 42 appearances and started 17 games for Lille last season, helping the French team reach the Champions League knockout stages for the first time since 2007.

Arteta is thought to seek to bolster his defensive midfield options in order to provide support for Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey.

Both Lucas Torreira and Mohamed Elneny, who recently returned from a loan spell at Fiorentina, have contracts that expire next season and might be sold this summer for a cost.

Arsenal’s other centre midfielder is Albert Sambi Lokonga.

However, despite only starting three league games since November, the Belgian has failed to establish himself as a key player.