Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted to being aware of Southampton starlet Gareth Bale.
The Wales international, 17, has attracted the interest of a host of Premiership clubs for his performances with Saints this season.
Arsenal's North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur are thought be keen on the talented teenager, while Manchester United have already been linked with a £7million bid for the left-back.
Wenger completed a £12million deal to take Theo Walcott to The Gunners from Southampton last January, but remained tight-lipped when asked about Bale.
"All I can say is I know him," Wenger told the Daily Star.
It remains to be seen if Southampton will be able to resist offers for Bale in January, despite the South Coast club being well positioned in the Championship play-off positions.