Arsenal have reportedly joined Manchester United in the race to sign Krylia Sovetov striker Aleksandr Sobolev ahead of next summer.

The 22-year-old forward has impressed with the Russian outfit this term, topping the goalscoring charts in the Russian Premier League, with 10 goals in 12 appearances.

According to The Sun, Arsenal have expressed an interest in making an audacious move for Sobolev, sending scouts to watch him in action during a 2-0 win over PFC Sochi.

The 22-year-old Russian told Sport Express: “I was told after the Sochi game that Arsenal scouts came to see me. In my opinion this is true. I am not 100 per cent sure, but this is what I was told.

“They said that the scouts were sitting in the stand. Manchester United’s interest? I can’t even imagine how this could be.”

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in desperate need of reinforcements in the front following an awful start to the Premier League season which has seen the Red Devils score more than once on just one occasion over the last 14 matches.