Arsenal preparing to hijack Jesse Lingard from West Ham United

Arsenal are preparing an offer for Jesse Lingard ahead of next season from Manchester United.

The Red Devils loanee is enjoying a fine half-season at West Ham United and has scored eight goals and provided nine assists in nine appearances for the Hammers.

His arrival has seen David Moyes side push into Champions League spot after recording a 3-2 win over Leicester City on Sunday.

The 28-year old scored twice in the game before Jarrod Bowen added a third. Kelechi Iheanacho reduced the deficit to one in the second half to make yet the scoreline went in favour of the Hammers as Lingard becomes only the third player to score in four consecutive Premier League games for a David Moyes team, after Mikel Arteta in 2010 and Robin van Persie in 2013.

The forward is expected to return to his parent club in the summer and West ham are in negotiation to secure the signature of Lingard.

The Daily Star reports that a deal in the region of £30million would be accepted by Manchester United for the Englishman as the Gunners are reported to be lining a move for the loanee to strengthen their attacking department.