Arsenal are preparing a late bid to scupper Hoffenheim midfielder Roberto Firmino’s switch to Inter Milan, according to reports coming out of Italy.
Tutto Mercato Web claims the Gunners have made contact with the Bundesliga club and hold a growing belief that they can lure the Brazilian playmaker to the Premier League.
The 22-year-old has been the subject of strong interest from the Serie A club for several months and the Nerazzurri thought they were close to getting their man.
However, the Germans are said to have snubbed an offer to take the player on loan with a view to making his move permanent 12 months down the line, and Inter are reportedly in serious danger of seeing him slip through their fingers.
Arsenal are believed to have jumped to the front of the queue and talks with Hoffenheim officials are due to intensify as early as this afternoon.
The FA Cup holders have no shortage of flair players, with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla, Alexis Sanchez and Jack Wilshere in their ranks.
However, they are seemingly determined to capitalise on an opportunity they assumed had come and gone, and will press for a permanent transfer in the coming days.