Wissam Ben Yedder to Arsenal: Gunners close to shock £8million signing of Toulouse striker

ARSENAL are hoping to complete a surprise £8million deal to sign Toulouse striker Wissam Ben Yedder.

The Gunners have made a late swoop for the 25-year-old forward who has been close to joining West Ham all summer.

And reports in France claim the highly-rated forward will now make a straight choice over whether to move to the Emirates or join La Liga side Sevilla.

Ben Yedder has been on the most prolific goalscorers in the French league over the past four years for Toulouse.

In that time, only Zlatan Ibrahimovic and £43million-rated Lyon star Alexandre Lacazette have scored more Ligue 1 goals.

West Ham had been mulling over a move throughout the close season, but showed a reluctance to cough up amid fears he was too small for Premier League football.

Instead, they attempted to persuade Toulouse to agree to a season-long loan deal with an option to make it permanent if he proved good enough in England.

That has allowed other clubs to enter the bidding, and it appears Arsene Wenger has been quick to make a move.

But he faces competition from Europa League champions Sevilla who also believe the diminutive forward can make an impact in La Liga.

The striker is now weighing up his options and a decision is expected on his future before the end of the week.

The Gunners are currently out in America on their two-match pre-season tour where they face MLS All-Stars and Chica Guadalajara of Mexico.