Monaco and Arsenal vying for Lass Diarra

Russian newspaper Izvestia is reporting that Monaco and Arsenal are locked in the battle for French midfielder Lassana Diarra.

The 29-year-old joined Lokomotiv from Anzhi last summer, but he was then given assurances that he would be allowed to leave at the end of the season in case of a good offer.

And it appears that Diarra could be returning to one of Europe’s top leagues, with Monaco and Arsenal reportedly keen.

The French giants are on the lookout for a new holding midfielder and they have been alerted of the availability of the former France international.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are also being linked with a move for their former player, and a return to the Premier League would probably appeal to Diarra.

Following a somewhat disappointing spell at Anzhi, the midfielder kick-started his career at Lokomotiv, and went on to make 13 league appearances for the club, scoring one goal in the process.