Arsenal face a battle to keep hold of Ben Cottrell.

The Sun says Marseille and Borussia Dortmund are eyeing off the 17 year-old midfielder.

Cottrell has risen through the ranks after joining the club aged nine through the famous Hale End Academy in East London.

His standout performances for the Gunner's Under-18s this term have put a host of clubs on alert.

The first-year scholar is being chased by a posse of European clubs who are looking to plunder top-flight English academy talent and provide a pathway to first-team football.