Arsenal Given Boost in Pursuit of Malaga Star - Report

Arsenal have reportedly been handed a boost in their pursuit of Jeremy Toulalan, after the Malaga holding midfielder admitted he is unsure of his future beyond this season.

The Express reports the Gunners are interested in signing the French international, while Atletico Madrid are also monitoring the player's situation at La Rosaleda.

The 29-year-old has been an integral part of the Spanish side, who have reached the last eight of the Champions League. Malaga faces German giants Borussia Dortmund this week in the second leg of their quarter-final tie and Toulalan has expressed his desire to continue playing for Manuel Pellegrini's team.

"I don't know what will happen. I don't know what my future will hold, but every day I have fun going into training. I have everything here. There is real quality of life, we play in the Champions League and I have a very good relationship with the coach," the report quoted Toulalan as saying.

Arsene Wenger has already signed two players from Malaga this season, with midfielder Santi Cazorla being the first addition last summer, followed by wing-back Nacho Monreal during the January transfer window.

The Spanish side have been in financial crisis for some time and the situation could see them sell their star players at the end of the season. However, the Frenchman claims his side are the third best in Spain, when it comes to paying their players.

"People talk about Malaga's financial problems, but after Real Madrid and Barcelona they are the Spanish club that pays its players the best," the ex- Lyon player added.

The Gunners sold defensive midfielder Alex Song to Barcelona before the beginning of the current campaign and Wenger has so far failed to find a replacement for the Cameroonian.

Toulalan is likely to be an ideal replacement for Song. Should Wenger sign the French international at the end of the season, it would strengthen the defensive side of their midfield. Arsenal have also been linked with an attempt to bring Song back to the Emirates in the summer.