AC Milan are lining up a bid for Arsenal striker Joel Campbell, according to fresh reports in the foreign media.
Studio Sport claims the San Siro giants are ready to step up their long-standing interest in the Costa Rica international if, as expected, they miss out on the summer signature of Torino forward Alessio Cerci.
Milan are struggling to offload several fringe players to fund a big-money deal for Cerci, who is in line to join either champions Juventus or cash-rich French outfit Monaco in the coming weeks.
The powers-that-be view Campbell as a more affordable alternative and will, according to the report, test Arsenal’s resolve with an initial loan offer with a view to a permanent move, although the Gunners could insist on an outright sale.
The 22-year-old’s rise to prominence started last term when he caught the eye for Greek side Olympiacos, for whom he scored against Manchester United in the Champions League.
He then showed glimpses of brilliance for his national side in this summer’s World Cup in Brazil, helping Costa Rica to reach the quarter-finals before a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out exit against Holland.
It is not yet clear whether he features in Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s plans for the upcoming campaign.