And the 22-year-old French U21 international's move to North London could be assisted by former Gunners' scout and Tottenham Hotspur director of football Damien Comolli, who joined St Etienne in the aftermath of Juande Ramos' departure from White Hart Lane last October.
Matuidi has made more than 50 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 outfit since arriving from Troyes in 2007, and has been capped at both French U19 and U21 level, making 19 outings for the latter.
And the youngster has admitted his delight at reports linking him with a move to Arsene Wenger's outfit, who may make a move for the starlet at the end of the season.
“I asked myself questions at the end of August after Arsenal showed their interest,” he said in The Sun.
“An opportunity to join them is not something ordinary. It gives you great self-esteem, it is Arsenal.
“At the end of the season we will have talks, anything is possible.”
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