Report: Arsenal interested in Le Havre youngster Harold Moukoudi

Arsenal have reportedly earmarked teenage Le Havre defender Harold Moukoudi as a star for the future.

The 19-year-old centre-back, capped by France at Under-18 level, has made nine appearances this season for the French second division side.

Moukoudi is tipped by pundits in France to become the latest star to emerge from the club's academy following on from the likes of Paul Pogba and Dimitri Payet.

According to the Daily Mail, the Gunners are keen to bolster their defensive options as Per Mertesacker is set to retire at the end of the season.

The report also suggests that Le Havre are willing to sell Moukoudi in January on the condition that he can be loaned back to help them gain promotion into Ligue 1.

Nice, Bordeaux and Red Bull Leipzig are also believed to be in the running for Moukoudi's signature.