Arsenal are interested in signing Jean-Philippe Gbamin from Mainz, according to reports in Germany.

According to Bild, Arsenal are one of several clubs interested in the €35m-rated Ivory Coast international.

Signed from Lens in 2016, Gbamin is now a regular starter at Mainz and has played 25 times in the Bundeliga so far this season.

His solid performances have reportedly attracted decent interest from English clubs – most notably Arsenal.

Unai Emery is keen to improve the Gunners’ defence and the club have also been linked to Samuel Umtiti of Barcelona.

The 23-year-old Gbamin, however, could be a much cheaper and more realistic long-term fix for Arsenal, who work within a strict budget.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe admits Arsenal target Ryan Fraser may leave the club this summer.

The Scotland winger, 25, has enjoyed an impressive campaign for the Cherries, scoring nine times in 41 appearances.

The midfielder has been linked to Arsenal with Unai Emery attracted to the winger’s work-rate and ability to play in numerous attacking positions.

Fraser’s contract at Bournemouth runs until 2020 and Howe admits, as talks haven’t progressed, that the winger could leave this summer.

‘We have spoken to Ryan and his representatives about his contract. It is one where we will see what happens,’ said Howe.

‘There is no doubting Ryan’s quality and how highly we think of him. He is an outstanding talent but it is a two-way prospect to sign a contract, so let’s wait and see.

‘Ryan has contributed to the team this season but it’s not the time to talk about speculation. Who knows in the summer? It is that time of year when things change and us ourselves will be looking to sign players’.

Fraser is believed to be keen on a move to the Emirates and seen as a replacement for Denis Suarez, who is set to return to Barcelona.

The winger talked up a move to the club earlier this week, admitting that he was flattered by the speculation.

‘I’m not going to lie, it’s very nice,’ Fraser told Sky Sports. ‘It means you are are doing something right. They are a huge club, a massive club.

‘When you see your name thrown around you always think to yourself that you are a Bournemouth player and you try to do well.

‘I’m not going to lie, you do feel good, especially when it’s a massive club’.