Premier League pair Arsenal and West Ham United have reportedly made bids for Lorient's French striker Claude-Maurice.
Jeremie Aliadiere has backed Arsenal’s pursuit of Lorient forward Alexis Claude-Maurice, admitting to Football London that the young striker caught his eye during a spell in the French top flight.
The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the most in demand youngsters in French football over the last few weeks, having scored 14 goals for Lorient in the second tier across a breakthrough 2018/19 campaign while impressing with his speed and clinical finishing skills.
Soccer Link claims that Arsenal have offered £8 million while West Ham have made a £12 million bid. Claude-Maurice, however, prefers a move to The Emirates, where he would reunite with former Lorient team-mate Matteo Guendouzi.
And Aliadiere, who started his career at Arsenal before enjoying a fruitful spell at Lorient, believes Claude-Maurice could be a big hit at the Emirates.
“It's about taking a gamble now when other teams aren't prepared to,” said the 36-year-old, who also had a loan spell at West Ham in 2005/06.
“He's a good player and has really good qualities. At a club like Arsenal that gives chances to young players it would be a good step for him.
"I remember incredible quick feet, a technical player. Technically he was amazing. The only thing - he was young at the time - was making the right decision, passing when you need to pass. He was dribbling all the time when I was there. But he's a very sharp, skilful player.”
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal are ready to increase their bid in order to match West Ham’s £12 million offer for a striker who has represented France at U20 level.
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