Arsenal and AC Milan have reportedly discussed the transfer of Sandro Tonali with just a few weeks before the summer window slams shut.
The 11-cap Italy international, 22, helped Milan win their first Serie A title in 11 years last season, playing 45 games in all competitions. He is regarded as one of the best young midfielders in Italian football, winning Serie A's Player of the Month award in May 2022.
The Gunners are on the hunt for a new central midfielder before the window closes on September 1. They've been heavily linked with Leicester star Youri Tielemans and could get the Belgium international, 25, for a bargain fee due to his contract expiring in June 2023.
Yet it appears Arsenal are interested in Tonali. Speaking to TvPlay, journalist Enrico Camelio revealed the Gunners have been in talks with Milan over a potential move for the former Brescia midfielder, who missed Italy's successful Euro 2020 campaign last summer.
It's believed Milan have told the Premier League side Tonali is not for sale... unless they stump up €55million (£46.4m). Milan boss Stefano Pioli doesn't want to lose Tonali after Franck Kessie completed a free transfer from Milan to Barcelona earlier this summer.
Milan tied down young midfielder Tommaso Pobega to a new five-year deal earlier this month. The club's academy product is yet to make his debut after spending four seasons out on loan at Ternana, Pordenone, Spezia and Torino - making 119 senior outings.
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Sadly for Arsenal, Pobega is expected to replace Kessie in Milan's midfield, rather than as a replacement for Tonali. The one-cap Italy international has also expressed his excitement at playing alongside Tonali, which reaffirms Milan's desire to keep the Arsenal target on their books.
"We have a good relationship," said Pobega after agreeing his new deal. "We know each other from last year, it’s a pleasure to play with him [Tonali]."
Arsenal are hoping to add to their central midfield department before the transfer window closes. Arteta's options are Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny, Granit Xhaka and new signing Fabio Vieira. The latter is currently nursing an injury.
Versatile players Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Oleksandr Zinchenko could also be deployed in the middle of the park. Arteta needs plenty of depth this term as Arsenal could play 65 games if they go the distance in the FA Cup, EFL Cup and Europa League.
Some may suggest that's optimistic, yet the Gunners are expected to challenge in cup competitions and in Europe. It's realistic to expect them to play between 55 and 60 games this season. They only played 45 fixtures last term due to their absence from Europe.
"We are going to try and bring in more players," admitted Arteta after Arsenal's 2-0 win against Crystal Palace on Friday night. "There are a few things that we have tried but for now it's time to work with the players we have."
