Arsenal manager wants to sign two French superstars this summer

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is hoping to make Ligue 1 duo Alexandre Lacazette and Benjamin Mendy two of his first summer transfers, reports The Daily Mirror.

Wenger is expected to announce his decision to extend his stay at Arsenal beyond the end of the current season in the coming weeks and will spend heavily in order to transform his squad in order to compete for the title next season.

The Gunners have a long-standing interest in Lacazette having been heavily linked with the French striker in the last few years but it remains to be seen whether the Lyon frontman would be willing to move to Arsenal after their botched attempts to secure his services last summer.

It would also require Arsenal to pay in excess of €60m (£50.7m) to secure his services with Lyon determined to get maximum value for the 25-year-old if they are unable to keep hold of their No.10 over the summer. Given Lacazette has scored 24 league goals this season, it’s understandable interest will be high.

Lacazette isn’t the only Ligue 1 player Arsenal are determined to sign this summer. Wenger is also eyeing a raid of his former side Monaco, with Mendy also at the top of his summer wish list.

Mendy, 22, has endured a fantastic season for Ligue 1 leaders Monaco this season and is expected to attract plenty of interest in the summer with Manchester City also chasing his signature.

Wenger is keen to secure a long-term replacement for Nacho Monreal, who will be 32 next February, and the Arsenal manager has earmarked Mendy as the ideal candidate to fill his boots. The France international has provided eight assists over the league and Champions League competitions this season.

For more stats on Benjamin Mendy, click here to visit his WhoScored player page