The ‘Belgian Iniesta’ could reportedly be on his way to the Premier League with Arsenal allegedly hoping to take him away from Serie A.
Arsenal are ready to offer £17 million to land Sampdoria midfielder Dennis Praet during the summer transfer window, as reported by Corriere dello Sport.
The 24-year-old Belgian is the latest attacking midfielder linked with a Gunners side who are preparing to bid farewell to the Juventus-bound Aaron Ramsey at the end of the season.
A former Anderlecht youngster, Praet has enjoyed an impressive season with Sampdoria in Serie A, even if a tally of two goals and two assists hardly looks outstanding on paper.
Corriere dello Sport claims that Arsenal are keen to sign a player once known as the ‘Belgian Iniesta’ – and not for the first time.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Unai Emery’s side had opened talks with Praet almost a year ago and were willing to trigger his £22 million release clause. For whatever reason, however, the move didn’t happen though Arsenal did sign his one-time Sampdoria team-mate Lucas Torreira instead.
It remains to be seen whether a reunion is on the cards and, given how impressive Torreira has been in his debut season at the Emirates, £17 million for Praet could be worth the risk.
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