Manchester United are no longer frontrunners to sign a "world-class" star this summer, with Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta willing to make a move.
Gunners prepared to make statement summer signing
The Gunners are still competing on all fronts, and a Champions League round of 16 clash with Bayer Leverkusen is to come on Wednesday night, with Declan Rice, Gabriel and Martin Zubimendi all being pictured in training ahead of the crucial game.
Mikel Arteta had to make do without the trio for the recent trip to Mansfield Town in the FA Cup, but it is starting to look like they could be available for the trip to Germany, which will be welcome news for the manager.
Arteta's had to reshuffle his backline a fair amount this season, with Gabriel missing six Premier League games due to a hamstring injury earlier this season, while William Saliba has also been absent for six matches due to injury and illness.
The Spaniard has plenty of strength in depth, having called upon the likes of Piero Hincapie and Ben White when Saliba and Gabriel have been unavailable, but bringing in another centre-back is on the agenda this summer.
Gabriel-Arsenal
That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Arsenal, led by sporting director Berta, are prepared to make a move for Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni this summer, with the centre-back valued at around £87m by the Italian club.
Liverpool and Barcelona are also in the race for Bastoni's signature, alongside Manchester United, but a move to the Emirates Stadium is looking more likely, with sources downplaying the Red Devils' chances of getting a deal over the line.
Previously, it had been reported the Red Devils were the frontrunners, but that is no longer the case, with the Gunners willing to make a move, although it could be difficult to tempt Inter into a sale, and they are planning to offer the centre-back a new contract.
"World-class" Bastoni could be exciting signing for Arsenal
As previously mentioned, Arteta is blessed with a wide array of options at centre-back, but the Italian could still be an exciting addition, having been lauded as a "world-class" player by journalist Matteo Bonetti.
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The 26-year-old is comfortable in possession, having averaged 64 accurate passes per 90 in the Serie A this season, which is the second-highest number in the Inter squad, and more than any Arsenal player has averaged in the Premier League other than Gabriel.
The 41-time Italy international has also averaged 3.4 clearances per 90 in the Serie A, again ranking second in the Inter squad, and he has displayed his ability in the opposite box by chipping in with two goals and six assists in all competitions this season.
Bastoni may not be a necessary signing for Arsenal, but he would certainly provide Arteta with excellent strength in depth.