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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Gareth Bicknell

Arsenal transfer news: Gunners face tough competition for midfield target

Arsenal face tough competition for any bid to sign midfielder Nicolo Barella this summer.

Italy international Barella has been identified as a potential replacement for Aaron Ramsey, who is heading to Juventus in a mega-money move.

Central midfielder Barella, 22, has caught the attention of clubs across Europe playing for his hometown club Calgliari and would cost around £27m. He was heavily linked with a move in January.

And now the Serie A club's owner has confirmed that his player is on the radar of both Chelsea and Napoli - with both clubs having been rebuffed in the winter window.

To make matters even more difficult for Arsenal boss Unai Emery, Calgliari are determined to fend off Barella's suitors and keep hold of the five-cap Italy ace.

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Cagliari owner Tommaso Giulini was asked by Italian daily Corriere dello Sport whether Napoli had wanted Barella in January.

In quotes reported by Inside Futebol , Guilini said: "I can’t deny this. Napoli’s interest was concrete in January."

Asked also whether Chelsea had been interested, he said: "Yes.

"I don’t know (what will happen).

Barella has broken into the Italy team (Claudio Villa)

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“But I think he is a player who can develop a lot more.

"We hope that he will continue in our shirt.”

Arsenal target Kessie unhappy with AC Milan

Arsenal have also been linked with a move for AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie.

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Kessie is reportedly unhappy after being hit with a fine by AC Milan following a furious bust-up with teammate Lucas Biglia during Sunday's 3-2 defeat to Inter.

The pair rowed on the substitutes bench as Milan lost out to their arch rivals at the San Siro, and the Ivorian has not responded well to being lumbered with the punishment.

According to Tuttomercato , the spat between player and club has alerted the Gunners to Kessie's possible availability.

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