Arsenal step up interest in Serie A midfielder

Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their interest in pursuing Nicolo Barella from Cagliari when the transfer window reopens at the end of the campaign.

The Italian had been the subject of strong interest from Chelsea last winter but the Serie A side declined to listen to offers at the midway stage of the season.

Maurizio Sarri's side are likely to come up with a renewed offer in the summer but according to Calciomercato, the Gunners are prepared to go on a bidding war to sign the midfield enforcer.

Still, the midfielder won't come on the cheap for the north London side, given it is claimed that Cagliari want a minimum fee of £44m for their club graduate.

Arsenal are said to have prepared a transfer kitty of just £40m for Emery to spend on during the summer and this may hamper their prospects of signing Barella unless they can agree to pay in installments.

Meanwhile, reports elsewhere suggest that Emery could be afforded with a much bigger transfer budget, should the Gunners qualify for next season's Champions League with a top four finish or by winning the Europa League.