Arsenal 'step up interest in Paul-Georges Ntep'

Arsenal have reportedly raised their interest in Auxerre striker Paul-Georges Ntep.

The Gunners have entered preliminary negotiations over an £8.5m deal for the Cameroon-born youngster, according to French website Le10Sport.

The North London outfit are said to face competition from Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur for Ntep's services, while French clubs Lille and Saint-Etienne have also been linked with bids.

However, Arsenal have been tipped as the frontrunners as none of the other interested parties are thought to be willing to pay more than £5m for the France Under-21 international.