Arsenal are ready to battle with Chelsea in the race for Diego Laxalt.
According to a report in Metro the Genoa midfielder features in Arsenal’s wanted list with Arsene Wenger determined not to lose out to Chelsea.
Laxalt has turned in a string of impressive performances in Serie A despite Genoa struggling in the bottom half of the table.
The 23-year-old is equally comfortable at left-back or in left midfield and is in his fourth year in Serie A having previously played for Bologna and Empoli.
Laxalt left his native Uruguay for Italy in 2013 and would have no difficulty moving on to England.
Genoa would like to get Laxalt signed onto a new contract but are realistic about their chances of competing with the money and prestige on offer from Arsenal and Chelsea.
Left-back Kieran Gibbs is one of a number of Arsenal players out of contract in June 2018 with Laxalt a possible replacement.