The Gunners currently have a settled midfield combination, but they are likely to spend big in the transfer market for the department next summer.

Jorginho and Thomas Partey have entered the last year of their respective contracts and both of them could be released when the season ends.

It is now claimed that the Gunners have opened talks for Wharton through his agents, but they are not alone with competition from Manchester City.

Palace are aware of the interest from the Premier League and they are prepared to hold out for around £55 million to sanction his departure.

Arsenal are reportedly planning to pay around £45m and it remains to be seen whether they can convince the Eagles to lower their price tag.

Wharton has had a mixed campaign with the South London outfit, but he continues to be highly-rated among the elite Premier League sides.

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