Gunners to try and pip rivals to Roma forward.
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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is set to enter the transfer market with yet another ambitious target by stealing the signature of Roma striker Erik Lamela from under the noses of rival Tottenham Hotspur, according to the Metro.
The Italians have just sold striker Pablo Osvaldo to Southampton for £15 million and are now prepared to listen to offers for the £30million-rated front man, with Roma’s director of football Walter Sabatini flying into London earlier this week for talks with Spurs over a potential deal.
However, reports coming from Italy have suggested that Arsenal could be prepared to get the jump on their north London neighbours after Arsene Wenger made an enquiry over the 21-year-old’s availability.
Roma are looking to move either Lamela or Bosnian playmaker Miralem Pjanic off their wage bill this summer in order to ease their apparent growing financial difficulties, however, it’s likely Spurs would have the upper hand in any negotiations due to Franco Baldini’s strong relationship with the Serie A side.
Arsenal are in desperate need of new recruits and they will be hoping that Spurs decide to press ahead with a move for Brazilian star Willian, which would leave a clear path for Wenger to pursue Lamela unchallenged.