SECOND Summer Signing? Arsenal On The Very Of Signing 6ft 2″ Star

English Premier league side Arsenal are reportedly closing in on a deal for Italy and AS Roma Centre-back, Alessio Romagnoli. The Gunners have been linked with moves for defenders in recent times, despite having a seemingly balanced backline.

The 20 year-old versatile player, known for a defensive solidity uncharacteristic of his age group, spent last season on loan at Italian side Sampdoria; where he performed excellently well- scoring two goals and also assisting a few.

The player’s exploits did not go unnoticed, as Coach Arsene Wenger has confessed to be a huge admirer of the young Italian, and is looking to bring him to the Emirates stadium before the start of the 2015/2016 EPL season. Asides Wenger, a host of other top European clubs are reportedly also keen on landing his services. However, Arsenal appears to lead the race as reports confirmed that FC Roma’s Sporting Director, Walter Sabitini has been in England a few times recently to discuss with the Gunners’ heirarchy, over a possible transfer of the player.

As it stands, a deal may well be on the horizon. However, the only forseeable stumbling block to the player’s move to Arsenal would be the hefty €38 million price tag his club are holding out as the cost of his signature- which Wenger is yet to respond to.