Wenger set sights on French trio

Arsenal are closing in on a triple French swoop with Samir Nasri, Clement Chantome and Francis Coquelin all understood to be …

Arsenal are closing in on a triple French swoop with Samir Nasri, Clement Chantome and Francis Coquelin all understood to be on the verge of moving to north London.

The biggest of the three deals is that for Nasri, who only recently signed a new long-term contract with Marseille.

But l'OM have agreed to let him leave as they hope to sign Hatem Ben Arfa from Paris Saint Germain to replace him.

Arsenal, who also have an interest in Ben Arfa, have agreed a deal for Nasri believed to be worth €15million.

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Nasri is expected in the English capital today for a medical before signing a four-year deal.

Ben Arfa's move looks closer after Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas confirmed he could leave and admitted he would rather he joined l'OM than a foreign club.

"I am not opposed to a Hatem's transfer to l'OM. My idea is very clear: with the same offers, I will prefer my player to join a French club than a foreign club.

"French Football has to get more and more competitive teams for both Le Championnat and European Cups."

Aulas then admitted Arsenal are one of two Premier League clubs to make contact with him about Ben Arfa.

"But I have not been contacted by OM officials yet," he said. "There is also interest from two English clubs, notably Arsenal."

While Wenger is a fan of both Nasri and Ben Arfa, the former has always been his preference and it seems he is now close to capturing him.

Nasri's signing is likely to be followed by the arrivals of Chantome and Coquelin.

Chantome was one of the few PSG players to come out of last season with any plaudits after a string of impressive displays in central midfield.

The 22-year-old has been likened to Mathieu Flamini and Wenger is reported to have met with the France Under-21 international in the last week.

Coquelin - who is with third division Laval, has been on trial with Arsenal and although he picked up an injury during training - the 17-year-old seems to have done enough to earn a deal.

It is believed Coquelin is currently in London undergoing a medical ahead of a deal.