Watford are reportedly neck-and-neck with Arsenal to sign Udinese midfielder Jakub Jankto.

The Hornets are reportedly ready to rival Arsenal for Jankto’s signature.

Watford are currently owned by Gino Pozzo, son of Udinese’s owner, Giampaolo Pozzo. Therefore, whether the Hornets are genuinely interested is signing Jankto or not, the link makes sense.

Chelsea and AC Milan are also rumoured to be interested in the 21-year-old after the midfielder admitted he would quite like a move abroad.

Jankto is in decent form at the moment, scoring five goals in 15 appearances for Udinese this season, two of which came against Crotone in Serie A this week. However, he still has until June 2021 on his contract with the Italian side, which might off potential suitors.

What’s more, the Czech Republic international doesn’t have a release clause, according to Udinese sporting director, Franco Collavino, despite reports insisting it was just £6m. This means that the ball is firmly in Udinese’s court. It doesn’t matter how much Chelsea or Arsenal offer if they’re simply not willing to sell for any amount.

Jankto has been at Udinese since 2014 when he signed for their youth side. Before that, he was at SK Slavia Prague.

He’s been capped 10 times for his country and scored once.