ARSENAL are rumoured to be on the tail of sought-after Samba star Diego, after the player's father told of the Gunners' interest.

The classy playmaker (pictured) has made a big impact for German side Werder Bremen, with 25 goals to his name in just 56 appearances for the club, and it is understood that Arsene Wenger may launch a bid for him in the summer.

However, should the Frenchman lock his sights on the 23-year-old Brazilian international, he will face stiff competition from Real Madrid and Juventus, according to Diego's agent and father Djair da Cunha.

"There are a lot of rumours and all of them are not the truth," Djair da Cunha told German newspaper Bild. "But Real, Arsenal and Juve want my son."

Despite being contracted to the Bundesliga side until 2011, it is believed a bid in the region of £24 million should be enough to secure his services.

Meanwhile, the Emirates club have also been linked to St Etienne midfielder Loic Perrin after the Frenchman impressed scout Giles Grimandi.

Perrin has been at St Etienne since he was 15, but the 22-year-old is keen for a new challenge, and with the future of Mathieu Flamini in the balance, Perrin may prove an ideal replacement for Wenger.

Former Gunners midfielder Grimandi is said to be keeping tabs on the player, and will advise Wenger on whether or not to pursue the French U21 international further.