Premier League powerhouses Arsenal are reportedly looking at Serie A duo Praet and Barella, who play for Sampdoria and Cagliari.
Arsenal are now the favourites to sign Sampdoria play-maker Dennis Praet this summer, according to the Daily Star, with the Belgian replacing Nicolo Barella as the club’s top midfield target.
With Aaron Ramsey on his way to Juventus on a free transfer, the Gunners have been scouring the market for replacements and it seems that they have set their sights on a number of Serie A’s rising stars.
Arsenal have been watching Cagliari dynamo Barella of late and the Mirror claimed that they scouted the £43 million-rated Italy international during a 2-0 defeat to Juventus last month.
But, according to the Star, Arsenal are not willing to pay £43 million for the 21-year-old, particularly when a player as talented as Praet is available for far less.
Head coach Unai Emery reportedly believes the one-time Anderlecht starlet, who has been likened to Barcelona and Spain great Andres Iniesta, would represent a better use of funds having scouted him during Sampdoria’s 2-1 loss to Lazio on Sunday.
Arsenal have been linked with Praet for a number of years with the Star reporting that he was shown around the club’s training ground during his younger days.
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