Transfer news: Arsenal face battle to sign Auxerre striker Paul-Georges Ntep - reports

Roma also interested in young striking star

Auxerre's Paul-Georges Ntep (Getty Images)

Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing young Auxerre striker Paul-Georges Ntep but will face competition from Italian side Roma.

Ntep is rumoured to have attracted the attention of a host of European clubs that reportedly include Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham as well as the Gunners.

However according to Le10Sport, Arsenal and Roma lead the chase for the forward who could be available for as little as £8.5m due to Auxerre's financial problems.

Arsene Wenger is thought to be keen to add a striker to his squad that currently only contains Olivier Giroud and Nicklas Bendtner and has reportedly been looking at Ntep for some months.

The youngster himself has confirmed he would be interested in a move to north London although only if his role at the club was right.

"Arsenal is a club that trusts young players. But it would all depend on the project," he told L'Equipe.

"If it is going to a new club to remain on the bench, what is the improvement? I don't ask to be in the starting 11 of a big club immediately, but I could help in the not too long-term.

"If I have reached such a level now, it is because Auxerre offered me stability that allowed me to reach new levels.

"I don't forget. Nowadays you can be a much-demanded player and tomorrow the player everyone will laugh about."