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Arsenal and Liverpool tracking Marseille sensation Maxime Lopez – dubbed the ‘new Samir Nasri’

Premier League giants sent scouts to watch the midfielder make his first start for the French side on Sunday

Matt Heath-Smith

Published: 9:10, 2 Nov 2016

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ARSENAL and Liverpool are tracking Marseille sensation Maxime Lopez – dubbed the "new Samir Nasri".

The Premier League giants sent scouts to watch the highly-rated midfielder make his first start for the French side on Sunday.

Maxime Lopez made his first start for Marseille in Bordeaux clash — Maxime Lopez made his first start for Marseille in Bordeaux clashCredit: AP:Associated Press

Lopez, 18, is regarded as the brightest prospect to come out of Marseille’s academy since Nasri in 2004.

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He is equally at home playing off a frontman or as a midfielder playmaker, much like the former Gunners and Manchester City man.

And he lived up to expectations as the standout performer in the drab 0-0 draw with rivals Bordeaux, racking up over 110 in the middle of the park.

Highly-rated Lopez is being tracked by Arsenal and Liverpool — Highly-rated Lopez is being tracked by Arsenal and LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images

Lopez is regarded as the brightest academy product at Marseille in over a decade — Lopez is regarded as the brightest academy product at Marseille in over a decadeCredit: Getty Images

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Marseille team-mate Florian Thauvin was excited by Lopez’s performance.

The former Newcastle midfielder said: “He played a great match. It’s not a surprise for me. We know his qualities.

“He’s a very good player and has a very bright future. He was able to show everyone the extent of his talents.”

France midfielder Samir Nasri joined Arsenal from Marseille in 2008 — France midfielder Samir Nasri joined Arsenal from Marseille in 2008Credit: Getty Images

Arsene Wenger tried to poach Lopez in 2014 and is still keen to sign the midfielder — Arsene Wenger tried to poach Lopez in 2014 and is still keen to sign the midfielderCredit: EPA

Arsene Wenger was keen to bring Lopez to the Emirates in 2014 but the starlet chose to sign a professional deal with his hometown club.

But Marseille may now struggle to hold on to their man amid renewed interest from England.

Nasri made 121 Ligue 1 appearances in the south of France before moving to Arsenal for £12million in 2008.

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