Arsenal have apparently offered Juventus €16m for midfielder, Mario Lemina, a 22-year-old they were linked with earlier in the season.

A defensive midfielder, it would seem an odd move from the club who have already purchased Mohamed Elneny and Granit Xhaka in the last two windows, after refusing to reinfoce that position for years.

Lemina can, however, also play in central midfield and at right-back, a versatility that might appeal to Arsene Wenger in light of Carl Jenkinson being out until November and Mathieu Debuchy looking out of the club altogether.

Under contract until 2020, reports in Italy state that the offer was turned down by Juve when it was received on Wednesday as they see him worth a minimum of €20m.

They would, it is claimed, be willing to negotiate his transfer, but not below this price.

Schalke  are also said to be monitoring the situation of the former Marseille player who only signed permanently for the Italians this summer after a season on loan.

He cost £8.08m.