Arsenal target Ricardo Saponara

Arsenal are planning a move for Empoli midfielder Riccardo Saponara. Italian champions Juventus have also been credited with interest for the 24-year-old midfielder.

Empoli sporting director Carli has earlier confirmed that Saponara would be leaving the club at the end of the season.

According to GianlucaDiMarzio,com, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is eager to add the young midfielder to his ranks with the likes of Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini and Tomas Rosicky set to depart at the expiry of their contracts next month.

Saponara has had a great campaign with the Azzurri notching five goals and assisting a further 11 in the Italian league.

Empoli currently value Saponara at around £12m.