Arsenal are reportedly one of three clubs interested in Espanyol defender Mario Hermoso according to reports from Spain. Spanish tabloid Sport reveals that the race to sign the Spanish defender has begun with several top clubs interested in his services.

The report mentioned that Bundesliga Champions Bayern Munich are the latest to join the race for the 23-year-old centre back.

Hermoso was impressive for Espanyol in this concluded campaign helping the Catalan club to become one of the best defensive outfits in the League. Strong in the air, good with his feet and equally an excellent tackler it is no surprise that he is highly sought after.

Hermoso excellent performances earned him a call-up to the national team and it is believed that French giants PSG have also indicated interest in the defender.

Arsenal were thought to be close to signing the defender in January but a move failed to materialize. Gunners Boss Unai Emery has been given a limited budget and the Spanish tactician is keen on adding Hermoso to the team ahead of next season.

Hermoso future could lie with former club Real Madrid as the Spanish giants have a buy-back clause in his existing contract. The 23-year-old left Madrid in 2017, but the capital club can resign the player for a cut-price fee of £7 million.

Meanwhile there are reports that Liverpool have opened talks with German forward Max Kruse about a potential transfer to the club.

News outlet Sport 1 reports that the Premier League runners up have held initial talk with the forward who is currently out of contract at Werder Bremen this summer. Kruse has been linked with a move to MLS side LA Galaxy in recent weeks.

It is understood that Jurgen Klopp is keen on signing the forward as a backup forward as he looks to add quality to the squad. Klopp knows a lot about the striker during his time at Germany and the Reds are looking to secure the deal ahead of Bayern Munich.