Arsenal are reportedly set to make their move for Boca Juniors forward Cristian Pavon and will trigger his release clause "within hours" as they seek a successor to Alexis Sanchez. Elsewhere, West Ham United are said to be interested in Mohamed Elneny.

Sanchez appears to be on his way to Manchester City this month, and Argentinian broadcaster TyC Sports reported Arsenal are prepared to pay Pavon's £27 million release clause to land him as a replacement now (h/t Daily Star's Andy Wilson).

According to Goal's Sam Lee, City sporting director Txiki Begiristain has been in negotiations with the Gunners since Friday seeking a resolution to the Sanchez situation, but price remains an obstacle in the saga.

As for Pavon leaving Buenos Aires, Boca chairman Daniel Angelici has addressed recent speculation and gave his opinion that the player would remain with the Argentinian giants for the remainder of the year, per Goal's Chris Wheatley:

The club won't have much choice in the matter if Pavon's release clause is triggered, however, which would give Arsenal permission to thrash out a deal with the player, who may be more open to a Premier League switch.

It also works in Arsenal's favour to attempt getting a deal over the line now rather than risk Pavon increasing the attention around him should he head to the 2018 FIFA World Cup with Argentina, for whom he's been capped on two occasions.

The Independent's Ed Malyon also provided some context as to just how passionate Arsenal are in their pursuit of Pavon, whose style of play on the wings has earned comparisons to Sanchez:

The 21-year-old operates mainly off the right flank and has scored three goals in 12 Primera Division appearances this season. Pavon is also a promising free-kick specialist and has shown some proficiency with both feet.

A move to north London may also be made simpler after Argentinian football writer Peter Coates provided a key detail regarding his future and chances of securing a European work permit:

Despite the presence of a release clause in Pavon's contract, Lucas Sposito of Sport Witness noted a deal could be done for less than its £27 million value, although Angelici's recent comments suggest that may be a hard ask.

Meanwhile, Arsenal midfielder Elneny is attracting the attention of West Ham, according to Sky Sports News reporter Rob Dorsett (h/t Daily Star's David Wright).

Hammers manager David Moyes is thought to be prioritising a central-midfield arrival this winter, and Francis Coquelin is also said to be on his list of targets, although Dorsett said he won't be heading to east London.

The Mirror's John Cross reported on Monday that Valencia have made a £12 million offer to sign Coquelin, but Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger may not be keen on the idea of losing two deep-lying midfielders in quick succession.