Arsenal are still hoping to hang on to their talisman Cesc Fabregas but they have already earmarked his replacement should he leave for Barcelona and surprise, surprise - it's a Frenchman.

..According to The Sun, Arsene Wenger could make schemer Yoann Gourcuff his second summer capture from Ligue 1 side Bordeaux after already nabbing Marouane Chamakh on a free.

The French side are still smarting from the loss of their star striker for nothing, so will not negotiate with Arsenal, but Gourcuff has a clause in his contract that says he can leave for £21.8 million, and the Gunners could well afford that club record fee if they sell Fabregas for £35m to Barcelona.

Such is Arsenal's interest, they have apparently already spoken to Yoann's dad, Christian, about a potential move. Christian is a former footballer himself and currently manages Lorient.

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