Arsenal will step up their pursuit of summer target Nicolo Barella by watching the Cagliari star for a third time this season.
The Gunners have sent a scout to watch their long-term target play against title-chasing Juventus on Tuesday night.
They’ve already watched him twice this season, and are keen to bring him to the Emirates this summer.
Manager Unai Emery is desperate to bolster his midfield ranks ahead of next season, and has identified the energetic playmaker as the perfect candidate.
The Italian midfielder, however, is on the radar of a number of top European clubs and would therefore command a hefty transfer fee.
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Barella, who was wanted by Chelsea in January, is also being courted by Cagliari’s Italian rivals Napoli and AC Milan.
The 22-year-old, capped five times by Italy, has scored one goal and notched up three assists in 27 league appearances for Cagliari this term.
A move for Barella could be on the cards, but meeting Cagliari's asking price for the midfielder isn't the only requirement for Arsenal .
Barella would set the Gunners back £43million, but Arsenal's chances of signing him come down to them securing Champions League football for next season.
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As things stand Emery's team are in a good position to achieve this, with the team currently third in the league following their 2-0 win over Newcastle on Monday night.
Emery has been told he will have money to spend in the summer unlike in January, with the Spanish having to settle for loan signings.
The Gunners had no money to spend in January and could only bring Denis Suarez in on loan from Barcelona . But the Spaniard hasn't hit the ground running and it is unlikely Arsenal will make the deal permanent.
Manager Emery is keen to bolster his ranks, though, with Aaron Ramsey leaving at the end of the season on a free transfer to link up with Juventus.
