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Arsenal transfer news: Gunners to battle Borussia Dortmund for Marseille star Christopher Rocchia

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ARSENAL are planning a swoop for Marseille defensive prospect Christopher Rocchia.

The left-back, 19, is rated the French club's most promising youngster.

 Arsenal are plotting a move for Marseille defender Christopher Rocchia
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Arsenal are plotting a move for Marseille defender Christopher RocchiaCredit: Getty
 The left-back is out of contract next summer at the French giants
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The left-back is out of contract next summer at the French giantsCredit: Getty

He captains their reserve side and has been named understudy to their ex-Manchester United star Patrice Evra.

The Gunners' chief French scout Gilles Grimandi has contacted Rocchia's advisors after being impressed by the teenager's displays, according to .

And club chiefs may now table an official bid for the Marseille-born prodigy in January.

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has also made an approach for Rocchia.

The defender will be out of contract next summer, and Marseille have offered him a much-improved new deal to 2020.

However he is strongly tempted to quit his underachieving hometown club for England or Germany.

 Arsene Wenger could be tempted to launch a move in January
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Arsene Wenger could be tempted to launch a move in JanuaryCredit: EPA
 Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc also wants the youngster
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Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc also wants the youngsterCredit: Getty

And he is believed to favour the prospect of becoming the latest recruit to Arsene Wenger's French legion at the Emirates.

Both the Gunners and Dortmund are well known for giving first-team opportunities to talented young players.

And a source close to Rocchia said: ";When you take a look at the reservoir of young players to have emerged from these two clubs, you think Rocchia has every chance of success with them."

 Former Arsenal star Gilles Grimandi has already spoken to the starlet's advisors
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Former Arsenal star Gilles Grimandi has already spoken to the starlet's advisorsCredit: PA:Press Association
 Grimandi is now the head scout in France for the Gunners
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Grimandi is now the head scout in France for the GunnersCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
 Arsenal hope Grimandi's French connections will help them to get a deal over the line
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Arsenal hope Grimandi's French connections will help them to get a deal over the lineCredit: Rex Features


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