As Mikel Arteta considers a long list of names on his summer shopping list, there's no doubt that he will know that some deals will be easier than others.
Whether it's down to the transfer fees or player demands, challengers will likely appear. However, Arsenal have positioned themselves nicely for one name in particular which technical director Edu should look to exploit if the club's interest is serious.
According to Area Napoli, the Gunners have joined Napoli in the race for Rubin Kazan's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The report states that although the Serie A side are favourites to secure a €15m (£12.6m) deal, nothing is done yet and Arsenal are following him with interest.
READ MORE: Matteo Guendouzi has major Arsenal role in Edu's attempts to hijack Tottenham dream transfer
Currently on loan to Dinamo Batumi, Kvaratskhelia could be on the lookout for a permanent move away at the end of the season. Leeds United have also been linked with the winger, who has scored two goals and provided five assists in 22 appearances this season.
Competition for the Georgian international may have grown, but Edu has a slight advantage should he be instructed to strike a deal for him. This is because Arsenal have been monitoring Kvaratskhelia for the last three years, which his agent confirmed back in 2019.
"This is known in Rubin, they came from London to a match with Dynamo," he said. "Arsenal watched him. They are very closely following him."
Not only would the thorough scouting process have provided valuable information on Kvaratskhelia, but it also shows his camp just how highly Arsenal rate him. It could also mean that preliminary talks have taken place with representatives over the last few years, establishing positive relationships in the process.
Meanwhile, Napoli and Leeds appear to have come onto the scene more recently. Although they are likely to have watched the 21-year-old on numerous occasions, it's unlikely that they have gone through a process as extensive as Arsenal's. This may not mean anything but if there is an interested party wanting to get a deal done, then things can move pretty quickly.
Despite this, Arsenal have already built the foundations should more talks take place this summer and they could find themselves overtaking other clubs because of it. The main question now is whether or not Kvaratskhelia matches what Arteta is looking for.
He certainly fits the age profile and is clearly viewed as a talented prospect. Additionally, his experience of playing on either flank or through the middle whilst comfortably using both feet will stand out to the Arsenal boss. But 14 goals and 22 assists across 102 games isn't the most convincing record, so a rotational role would perhaps be the best route for the north Londoners to take.
