Arsene Wenger is plotting a genuine pursuit of AC Milan's M'Baye Niang at the end of the season.
Mundo Deportivo is reporting that the Arsenal boss has been watching the 22-year-old closely in recent times and is poised to make a serious offer in the summer.
However, it is understood that Wenger will only go after Niang if Alexis Sanchez decides to leave the Emirates Stadium.
The Chilean forward is contracted with the Gunners until the summer of 2018 but his future in North London remains unclear as the club are yet to meet his wage demands.
Former Arsenal trialist Niang, who operates mainly as a left winger, has three goals and three assists in 17 outings for the Rossoneri this season.