Arsenal are reportedly keen on luring Federico Chiesa to the Emirates Stadium this month...

What's the word?

That's according to Calciomercatoweb.it, who claims that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has made the Juventus attacker a priority before deadline day on January 31st.

However, they face stiff competition from Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid, as well as Liverpool, though it remains to be seen how much he'd command.

Juventus could be forced into a sale of his magnitude, given their recent problems off-the-pitch and their potential failure to qualify for the Champions League.

Chiesa is currently valued at just €20m (£18m) by CIES Football Observatory.

Bargain title boost

It's easy to forget how much of a major talent the Italy international is, having missed a large chunk of the past 18 months with a serious injury.

However, since returning from a ruptured cruciate ligament, he has provided Massimiliano Allegri with three goal contributions from eight appearances totalling 254 minutes, of which just one has been a start, via Transfermarkt.

A rate of one goal or assist every 84 minutes would certainly put him on the path of reaching his previous heights, perhaps recording his best-ever campaign in 2020/21.

In a year that ended with a Euro 2020 triumph over England, Chiesa provided the Old Lady with a whopping 15 goals and 11 assists  - one contribution every 121 minutes.

Such exploits saw BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand wax lyrical, he said (via the Metro):

"The intensity with which he plays with, we saw in the Euros he was the main goal threat for the Italians who went on to win the tournament. It’s his pace, his drive. He’s the one who is the threat, he’s potent, he wants to run in behind."

Indeed, the "absolute gem" - as once lauded by commentator Adam Summerton - could hand Arteta a different type of threat in the attack, one that is valued at only £10m less than what they paid for a proven Premier League talent in Leandro Trossard.

Capable of playing on either flank, through the middle as both a striker and no.10, as well as in deeper midfield, Chiesa is a hugely versatile asset, which could prove beneficial as the season enters its final stages.

The Gunners remain competitive in all competitions and of course, have a healthy cushion atop the Premier League standings. That means strength in depth is vital, particularly with Gabriel Jesus making his way back from a serious knee injury.

As such, the Juve sensation could be a bargain signing that seriously bolsters Arsenal's title bid, so sporting director Edu Gaspar must look to get this over the line before next week's deadline.

AND in other news, Arsenal closing in on "beastly" 3rd January signing, it's another Edu masterclass...