Real Madrid have supposedly made the first step to beating Arsenal to the signing of Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Marco Verratti this summer after making a £30m bid.
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Arsenal rumours
The Spanish giants are long-time admirers of the Italian international, who has established himself as one of the finest young midfielders on the planet in recent times.
Arsenal have also emerged as potential suitors for the 22-year-old, who finished this season with three goals and eight assists in all competitions.
According to The Sun, however, Real are moving ahead of the Gunners in the race to sign Verratti, though PSG will surely not let such an important player go this summer as they look to continue improving.
Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid are also looking to rival Arsenal for the signing of highly-rated young Villarreal forward Luciano Vietto this summer.
The Argentine has impressed with 18 goals in La Liga this season and could be an upgrade on Olivier Giroud up front, though he looks set to stay in Spain.