Arsenal target €30m replacement for inevitable Nasri departure

With Samir Nasri seemingly just days away from joining Manchester City, Arsene Wenger could be lining up €30m-rated Lille winger Eden Hazard as his replacement.

20-year-old Belgian international Hazard was part of the league and cup-winning Lille side last year and has already seen former teammate Gervinho join the Gunners. In addition to that, he has another tie to the North London club - his cousin is Arsenal's top centre-back Thomas Vermaelen.

Reports in French daily L'Equipe have stated that Lille have slapped a €30m price tag on the winger to deter alleged Arsenal interest, although with the side flush with cash after the departure of Fabregas and perhaps Nasri, this may not be an issue.

Lille's club president Michel Seydoux has rubbished claims of Hazard leaving by saying, “I am not sure he wants to leave anyway. He knows his status here and at a large club there is much more uncertainty."

Hazard was believed to have been the subject of much interest from the newly-rich, Qatari-funded PSG, although it is thought that Lille are uncomfortable with the idea of selling their star man to a Ligue 1 rival.

Arsenal have also been linked with Rennes star and French international Yann M'Vila, who has also courted interest from Chelsea as a possible replacement for the crocked Michael Essien.