Arsenal eye Yoann Gourcuff as Julian Draxler alternative?

Arsenal are reportedly moving forward with contingency plans to sign Yoann Gourcuff from Lyon in case their pursuit of Julian Draxler in this transfer window fails.

The Gunners have apparently been in talks with Schalke 04 over the capture of £30m-rated Draxler but fear that they may have to wait until the summer to get him.

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal see Gourcuff as a more attainable target before the deadline on Friday as Lyon's financial troubles may tempt them into cashing in on the French international.

Arsene Wenger is believed to be a long-term admirer of the 27-year-old playmaker, who struggled after moving to AC Milan in 2006 but has since revived his career with three good seasons in Ligue 1.

Gourcuff has scored three goals in 16 Lyon appearances this season and, with injury worries complicating the Draxler deal further, Wenger hopes to bring him to the Emirates Stadium this week.