Arsenal & Chelsea joined by London rivals in pursuit of French star

Arsenal and Chelsea have reportedly been joined by London rivals West Ham in their respective January transfer window pursuits of Toulouse midfielder Etienne Capoue.

According to talkSPORT, all three Premier League clubs are locked in a battle to sign France international Capoue as they strive to bolster their squads before the transfer deadline at the end of the month.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has already been busy in the transfer window with the acquisitions of Joe Cole from Liverpool and Marouane Chamakh from Arsenal, and Capoue could be the next player to arrive at Upton Park.

However, the Hammers boss could be contested by Arsenal and Chelsea counterparts Arsene Wenger and Rafael Benitez, who are also reported to be keeping tabs on the 24-year-old.

Both Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with midfield reinforcements during January, with the Gunners reportedly looking at Lucas Biglia and the Blues interested in Taison.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are set to boosted the return of midfielder Abou Diaby, who could play against Manchester City on Sunday when the Premier League champions travel to the Emirates Stadium.

Diaby began the season in impressive form for Arsenal, but has not featured since the defeat to Chelsea and the end of September.