ARSENAL will lead the chase for French World Cup star Franck Ribery.
The midfielder has been put on the market by his club Olympique Marseille - and they will want about #12million.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been a fan for many years and was close to signing him two years ago, but the 24-year-old opted to stay in France.
Ribery will also attract interest from Barcelona and Italian champions-elect Inter Milan keen to recruit him. French champions Lyon may also be keen to sign him.
However, it is well known that Ribery wants the chance to work with Wenger and would welcome a move to the Emirates if the clubs can agree a fee.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are set to make a #4.5million summer move for Hearts keeper Craig Gordon.
The Gunners again checked out the 24-year-old Scottish No.1 when he kept a clean sheet in the Edinburgh derby victory over Hibs at Easter Road this month.
Wenger sees Gordon as a long-term successor to Jens Lehmann, whose contract is up in June.