Arsenal ‘firmly’ in the running to sign £41m-rated midfielder who idolises Andrea Pirlo

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Arsenal were active in the summer transfer window in terms of incomings and outgoings as Mikel Arteta fine-tuned his squad ahead of another potential title challenge.

Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori joined the club on permanent transfers, while the likes of Raheem Sterling and Neto sealed season-long loan deals to the Emirates Stadium on deadline day.

In terms of outgoings, Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe were the notable departures from Arsenal as they moved on to Crystal Palace and Fulham, respectively.

Arteta has a strong squad with not too many glaring holes, but if reports are to be believed, he is keeping tabs on a young midfielder who is currently making a name for himself in Serie A.

Arsenal interested in signing Samuele Ricci

According to Caught Offside, Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci is ‘firmly’ on Arsenal’s radar as they keep an eye on the midfield market ahead of the January transfer window.

The 23-year-old has started each of Torino’s seven Serie A games this season and is reportedly valued at around £41m, with the report stating that Manchester City are also keeping an eye on him as they scour the market for a midfielder after Rodri’s ACL injury.

Read More: The four names on Manchester City’s transfer shortlist to replace Rodri in January

Ricci has four caps for the Italy national team and recently named Andrea Pirlo as his idol. Speaking at a press conference, he said (quotes via Football Italia): “I watched Pirlo a lot, being a midfielder. We’ve had so many strong players, but the player I watched the most was definitely Pirlo.”

Arsenal reportedly value the midfielder at around £25m, so it remains to be seen if the two clubs come to an agreement if the Gunners step up their interest.

Do Arsenal need another midfielder?

The answer is yes and no. With Martin Odegaard and Merino suffering injuries at the start of the season, Arsenal looked a bit short of options in the centre of the park.

However, Merino is back to full fitness and the Norwegian is firmly on the comeback trail, so the situation isn’t as alarming as it was a few weeks ago.

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However, if Arsenal decide to move on Thomas Partey and Jorginho – both of whom have been linked with exits – a space could open up in the squad.

Ricci is firmly on Arsenal’s radar and it remains to be seen if they make a move for him in the January transfer window.

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