Arsenal and Chelsea have intensified their interest in signing Paris St. Germain’s Marco Verratti, Talk Sport reports.

Now that Juventus – current Serie A leaders – have emerged as serious suitors for the Italy international, the Premier League pair have amped up their interest as the January transfer window looms.

Verratti signed for PSG last summer from Pescara in the Eastern region of Abruzzo in Italy where he excelled under first team coach Zdenek Zeman, who played the youngster as a deep-lying playmaker.

Since his move to Paris the 20-year-old has impressed a host of top European clubs and many of them are now vying for the signature of the man dubbed the next Andrea Pirlo.

However, with Juventus' firm interest in the playmaker, the two London clubs will need to move fast to block a move to the Old Lady.

PSG are on a six-game unbeaten run with Verratti included in midfield and beat Porto 2-1 in the Champions League last night. The French team have now dropped off a little as they sit at fourth spot, albiet with a healthy goal difference.

Nevertheless, after substantial financial investment – bringing in Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva for over £50million – Carlo Ancelotti is under increasing pressure to succeed.

However Verratti is sure to leave if the future of Ancelotti in Paris is cut short. His sacking will make it easier for potential suitors to lure him away from Paris but the prospect of teaming up with Juventus manager Antonio Conte in Turin might be an offer Verratti can’t refuse.

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