Arsenal lining up bid for River Plate midfielder Exequiel Palacios?

Arsenal have reportedly emerged as the most likely destination for River Plate midfielder Exequiel Palacios.

The 20-year-old is highly regarded in South America and has previously been linked with a transfer to Real Madrid.

However, according to Radio Continental, Arsenal are ready to try to push through an £18m deal for the Argentine during the summer transfer window.

The report suggests that Real are no longer prioritising a deal for Palacios, leaving the door open for Unai Emery to strengthen the centre of his midfield.

Palacios has already earned two senior caps for Argentina and the playmaker has been selected for his country's 23-man squad ahead of the Copa America.