Arsenal are battling Manchester City for Blackburn Rovers contract rebel Junior Hoilett.
The Canadian is off contract in June, but cannot agree any deal with a Premier League rival until the summer.
The Daily Star Sunday says Arsenal are leading the chase as moneybags City have discovered after making their move last weekend.
City have been quietly assessing Canada-born winger Hoilett who has also been linked with a move to Liverpool, Tottenham and Bayern Munich.
He is seen as a bargain because of his age, potential and contract situation.