ARSENAL are thought to be leading Spurs and Manchester City in the race to sign St Etienne midfielder Blaise Matuidi.
French sources claim Arsene Wenger sent a scout to go and watch the 21-year-old in action for his club side against Monaco on Sunday.
The Gunners' chief European scout Gilles Grimandi is thought to have brought the youngster to Wenger's attention, and the Arsenal boss is understood to see the Frenchman as an ideal foil for Cesc Fabregas in the heart of the Arsenal midfield.
Matuidi began his career with French minnow Troyes in 2004 before moving to St Etienne last year, where he has made 34 appearances, while he has also played 15 times for France Under 21's.
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