Arsenal are reportedly interested in a move for Juventus midfielder Arthur this summer, according to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

What's the word?

As per German outlet Wettfreunde, the Sky Sports transfer guru revealed that the Brazilian playmaker "could come to Arsenal" in the upcoming window, with his current side potentially set to try and cash in as they pursue other targets.

The report suggests that the north Londoners were keen on a deal for the 25-year-old in January - as backed up by claims at the time - and could continue that interest again at the end of the season.

Di Marzio does, however, suggest that Max Allegri's side could ask for centre-back star Gabriel in return, with the Serie A side seeking a replacement for long-serving stalwart Giorgio Chiellini, who is set to leave the club in just over a month or so.

Supporters will be buzzing

If they can avoid having to let their current gem depart as part of the deal, a move for his compatriot Arthur would no doubt prove to be an astute piece of business for both Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu.

The 22-cap international - who joined the Turin outfit in a swap deal involving Miralem Pjanic from Barcelona two years ago - has found game time hard to come by at the Allianz Stadium so far this season, making just ten league starts, although has shown enough quality previously to warrant the hype.

Even amid a difficult stint in Italy, the £18m-rated man has still produced some impressive statistics, ranking in the top 3% for completed passes among midfielders in Europe's top five leagues, as well as in top 15 % for both progressive passes and progressive carries.

Such quality in possession has previously seen the former Gremio man likened to Spain icon Xavi by former teammate Lionel Messi, while pundit Kevin Campbell also dubbed him a "baller" for his technical talent.

At present, Arteta's men are crying out for new additions in the centre of the park, with a playmaking, midfield metronome seemingly required alongside the more defensive-minded Thomas Partey. As a result, any move for a player like Arthur would surely have supporters beaming from ear to ear.

He may be slightly older than last summer's additions - with all six signings made under the age of 23 - although he still has plenty of time ahead of him to thrive in the Premier League, with links to both him - and 25-year-old Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus - perhaps illustrating an exciting change of tack in the transfer market from Edu and co.

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