Club Brugge midfielder Odilon Kossounou is emerging as a surprise target for Arsenal.

The Mirror says the 20-year-old Ivorian is one of the rising stars of African football.

His impressive form this season has been a factor in his side's climb to the summit of the Belgian top flight and their performances in the Europa League.

Kossounou would cost around £8.5million with performance-related add-ons.

Italian giants Inter Milan are also keen on the player - but have financial issues with regards their Chinese owners, the Suning Group - and there is interest in him from Spain.

But playing in the Premier League is an attractive prospect for the player.

Former Arsenal stars Gervinho and Emmanuel Eboue are both understood to have given the club glowing references for Kossounou when asked about him.