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Arsenal are readying a bid to snatch Pablo Fornals from Villarreal with the player believed to have a £17.8million release clause written into his contract.

Unai Emery is keen to bring the Spaniard to London in January in order to give him time to bed in ahead of Aaron Ramsey's expected departure to Bayern Munich in the summer.

The 22 year-old, who has made two senior appearances for Spain, made headlines in La Liga in January when his sublime last-minute chip helped Villarreal to a 1-0 victory at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid.

And the former Malaga player produced more magic with a stunning 40-yard volley against Bilbao in September as his side romped to a 3-0 win at San Mames.

The Gunners have reportedly given up on talks to keep Ramsey at the club beyond the end of his current deal which expires at the end of the season, and Emery has instead turned his eye to re-staffing his midfield.

(Image: AFP)

(Image: REX/Shutterstock)

Arsenal have received plaudits this season for being more competitive and disciplined in the space in front of the defence, and much credit has gone to new signings Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi for the steel they have brought to the side.

The capture of Fornals would represent a coup at the other end of the pitch for Emery as Arsenal seek a long-term replacement for the creative influence of Santi Cazorla who joined Villarreal in the summer after an injury-ravaged time in North London.