Arsenal To Make Audacious £17m Bid For Italian Ace

As we approach the business end of the season clubs are starting to make plans for the summer transfer market so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip. Today, Gooner Mac brings us news of Arsenal’s interest in Marco Verratti.

Arsenal are preparing to table an audacious £17m offer for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti at the end of the season, according to the Metro.

Verratti joined the big-spending French outfit from Serie B side Pescara in 2012 and has established himself as an important player in boss Laurent Blanc’s first team plans this season, making 40 appearances so far in 2013/14.

The 21-year-old was once again in the starting line-up for Tuesday night’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League, keeping January signing Yohan Cabaye on the bench, which shows just how much faith Blanc has in the youngster.

However, it seems that Arsene Wenger is ready to make a cheeky attempt to lure Verratti away from the Parc des Princes with the Metro claiming the Gunners boss is prepared to test PSG’s resolve with a £17m bid this summer as he looks to strengthen his midfield options.

The Italian international still has over four years left on his current contract and seems settled in France, so it’s highly unlikely we’ll be able to land the talented midfielder, but if we do somehow manage to get a deal done Verratti could be the ideal long-term replacement for Mikel Arteta.

The Spaniard’s lack of pace has been badly exposed in the big games in recent months and with him now 32-years-old, I think this could be his last season as a first team regular and a youngster like Verratti would add new dynamism to our midfield.

PSG do have the likes of Yohan Cabaye, Thiago Motta and Javier Pastore to fill the central midfield positions, so they might be willing to sell if the price is right, but they hardly need the money so I still think it’s unlikely to happen unless the player pushes for the move.

READ: Cazorla claims Arsenal interest in Casillas

What midfielder would you like to see Arsenal sign this summer? Share your views below…