Arsenal are looking to rejuvenate their forward line in the upcoming year and have identified a talent in Italy as their ideal successor to Santi Cazorla, according to Calcio Mercato.

What's the story?

Left out of Arsenal's Premier League squad for the first-half of the season and unavailable until January at the earliest, 32-year-old Santi Cazorla is coming to the end of his time at the top and the fact his contract is due to expire next summer is a major concern.

Many felt Arsenal needed to act in the transfer market this summer to sign a central midfielder but the club clearly felt differently, although the situation will change in the next 12 months as they seek to replace the veteran Spaniard.

Reports in Italy claim Udinese's Jakub Jankto is Arsenal's prime target to fill Cazorla's void, although it's indicated the 21-year-old Czech Republic international may want to remain in Serie A; where AC Milan and Juventus are also linked with the player's signature.

What would he offer?

Elegant on the ball and possessing a keen eye for a killer pass, Jankto is, on paper at least, the sort of player Arsenal have been crying out for. Without Cazorla, Arsenal have looked rather lacklustre and are without the link from defence to attack that they need.

With Jankto slotting into the centre of midfield alongside Granit Xhaka, Arsenal would have a playmaker and an enforcer in the heart of their side. He'd allow Aaron Ramsey to potentially move into a more attacking role behind the striker, possibly replacing Mesut Ozil.

At 21, Jankto also has the ability to be crafted into a top-class player for the coming years and is the sort of man that Wenger and his successor can build a team around. He also wouldn't break the bank, which fits into Arsenal's strict budget.