Report: Arsenal ramp up interest in Porto's Hector Herrera

Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their interest in Porto captain Hector Herrera as a replacement for outgoing midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

The Gunners are resigned to losing Ramsey next year, either as a free agent at the end of the season or for a fee in the January window.

A number of options have emerged to fill the void but, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Arsenal will now focus on landing Herrera.

Arsenal scouts were sent to watch the Mexico international in action against Galatasaray in the Champions League last week, it is claimed, with a view to making a move in early 2019.

Like Ramsey, Herrera is also into the final year of his contract and would therefore be available for a cut-price fee, but the Premier League outfit are expected to face competition from Real Madrid.