Arsenal have had a bid of around £13.5million rejected by Anderlecht for midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga.
The Belgian side want closer to £18m for the 21-year-old so there is optimism a deal can be reached as negotiations progress.
Lokonga is wanted to compete alongside Thomas Partey but they also want a No 10 playmaker after missing out on Martin Odegaard and Emi Buendia.
Lokonga earned his first call up to Belgium's senior squad this year and is on Roberto Martinez's standby list for the Euros.
Nabil Fekir remains an option but Arsenal have yet to bid for the Real Betis midfielder.
Arsenal are also targeting a number of positions as they overhaul their squad.
The north London club have held positive talks over their move for Brighton’s Ben White.
As revealed by Sportsmail, Brighton have placed a £50m price tag on their academy prospect White which they hope will deter his admirers who also include Manchester United and Liverpool.
With his new status as an England international following his elevation to Gareth Southgate's Three Lions squad ahead of the Euros plus a year of Premier League football under his belt, White would also now command a significant wage increase.
He signed a new four-year Brighton deal worth around £35,000 per week last summer and Arsenal are assessing whether they can make a deal for White fit in with their budget.
The England international centre back is understood to be keen on the move and Brighton will sell if their valuation of around £50m is met.
Coach Mikel Arteta also needs cover for Kieran Tierney at left back, a right back with Hector Bellerin expected to leave, a back up goalkeeper and possibly another striker as Alexandre Lacazette has one year remaining on contract.