Long-term Arsenal target Alban Lafont wants to leave Toulouse with Crystal Palace leading the race to sign him.

Lafont, 19, is regarded as one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe and has made over 100 appearances for the French club.

Despite his impressive form, the France Under-20 international could not prevent Toulouse’s relegation from Ligue 1 last season.

Now, Lafont says he wants to join a top-flight club.

“I think the time has come for me to see something else,” he said.

“I’ve had three seasons at Toulouse, three seasons where we fought to stay up.

“This season was mentally very tough. I love my club and my supporters, the board, the managers and especially the president.

“However, I have a feeling of stagnation. I need to see something else to simply go up a level.

“While respecting my club, I want to play more, play high level games every week and win them.

“If I leave, it’s not to be on the bench. I want to be number one.”