Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is hopeful of signing Schalke midfielder Max Meyer in the summer, according to The Daily Star.

The French manager has identified the German attacker as his number one transfer target as he looks to bolster his options in midfield.

The 22-year-old is out of contract with the Bundesliga side in the summer, which could allow the Gunners the opportunity to sign the player on a free transfer.

Attacking options

Wenger is hopeful of adding to his attacking options in the summer by signing Meyer from Schalke.

He believes that he can attract the player to the Premier League by offering him the chance to play alongside Mesut Ozil in midfield.

The north Londoners however face stiff competition for Meyer’s signature from the likes of Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Milan, who are also interested.

Decision expected soon

Schalke CEO Christian Heidel refused to rule out the departure of Meyer but insisted the door remains open for him to stay.

The player is understood to be set to make his decision on where is future lays in the very near future.

Heidel said:

“Max will be deciding shortly if he wants to stay at Schalke past the summer.

Max is very happy here, Schalke is his home, we will try to make it him as comfortable financially as possible.

He is playing the best season of his life, and the coach has found a position for him that Max didn’t believe he could play.”

More on Meyer

The 22-year-old is considered to be one of Germany’s biggest up and coming talents, having already made an impressive 142 Bundesliga appearances.

In that time, he has managed an impressive combined total of 34 goals and assists in the German top tier.

One thing that makes Meyer such an exciting talent is his versatility, with his ability to play anywhere in midfield.