Rumour: Arsenal close in on confirmed Real Sociedad target Antoine Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann: On his way to North London?

Real Sociedad star Antoine Griezmann is being chased by Arsene Wenger with the Gunners looking to snap up the French international star sooner rather than later, according to the Daily Mail.

The high-flying winger has been highly-sought after a number of clubs across Europe, including the FA Cup winners, who have been heavily linked with a swoop for the rising star. Liverpool have also been linked with Griezmann, however, Arsenal have stolen the charge according to reports.

Griezmann was called up to the World Cup squad for France under Didier Deschamps, which means Wenger is keen to get the business done before his price-tag potentially rises after the tournament.

Griezmann has been the stand-out player at Sociedad in recent campaigns, particularly after inspiring the Spanish outfit to Champions League football in the 2012/13 season. However, the La Liga side failed to make the elite European club competition again this season and that has led to speculation Griezmann might be moving for pastures new.

Speaking in March, manager Arsene Wenger said: ‘We are following him [Griezmann] in great detail. He attracts other clubs as well but we follow him, he is a known commodity.’

While Griezmann is a target, Cesc Fabregas, former captain for Arsenal, could also be set for a return to the club this summer after being heavily linked with a move back to the Emirates.

Fabregas left in the summer of 2011 for Catalan giants Barcelona, however, following the departure of Tata Martino and arrival of Luis Enrique as new manager, the squad is set to be overhauled with Fabregas one of those set to move.

Arsenal reportedly secured a buy-back option on Fabregas upon selling him to Barcelona in 2011, which gives them the upper-hand in the race for the Spanish international.