Arsenal enter race for Serie A captain as £60m defender becomes 'target'

Arsenal now face a quick turnaround as they switch attention from the FA Cup to a mid-week North London derby with Tottenham on Wednesday night. The Gunners cannot afford to lose more ground on the leaders Liverpool if they want to stay in the title race heading into the final months of the season.

In the meantime, Mikel Arteta will be scouring the market for new signings, and with that in mind, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the Emirates Stadium.

Pellegrini chase

Arsenal are said to be interested in a move for AS Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini. According to La Repubblica, the Gunners are one of a number of teams to express an interest in the 28-year-old attacking midfielder.

Pellegrini is a key player for Roma, but he is now in the last 18 months of his contract, and he may need to be sold if Roma can’t agree a new contract with him. Arsenal may consider signing an attacking midfielder, needing more depth for Martin Odegaard, as was proven earlier in the season when the Norwegian spent time on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

Araujo ‘interest’

Arsenal have been credited with interest in a move for Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo. Araujo could wind up leaving Barca due to his contract expiring in 2026. Reports have claimed the Uruguayan has told his teammates he may be open to a new challenge, sparking interest from Juventus.

Marca say Arsenal are considering a move, even if they don’t necessarily need another centre-back, although Araujo is a good opportunity if indeed he is available. Barca are said to be asking for somewhere around £60million to agree a deal. Barca boss Hansi Flick has said: “We’re all professionals. He’s come back from a serious injury. We’ve taken great care of him over the last month, and now he’s back. He’s strong and ready to play, and he’s an option for the team. He’s very professional, and that’s what I want from him,”