Arsenal are planning another move for Aleksandr Golovin, with Unai Emery giving his backing to the transfer, according to reports in Russia.

Russian outlet Sport-Express write that Arsenal have ‘again joined the fight’ for Golovin. Their sources claim scouts from the club gave Unai Emery all the information on the player, and the new head coach then ‘gave the go-ahead for the transfer’. At this stage Arsenal still haven’t made an official bid though.

One thing to note is the Sport-Express don’t have the best reputation in Russia, so we should take these updates with a pinch of salt. However, it does fit with the quotes from Golovin’s father that the player is learning English in anticipation of a move abroad.

The more reliable Di Marzio reported on Monday that Juventus have made their first bid for the player, an offer of €17m plus bonuses. CSKA are holding out for €25m at this stage.

The media have linked Arsenal to a move for Golovin for much of this year. The player himself responded to the speculation by telling reporters he tries not to think about it. Arsene Wenger also admitted that the midfielder is ‘a very interesting player’, before the boss left the club not long afterwards.

It all seemed to be heading for a possible offer from Arsenal this summer. The situation is more complicated now though, because the player has started the World Cup so well. He has a goal and two assists in the tournament so far, playing a big part in Russia’s two victories.

Now there will be plenty of competition for his signature. We’ll have to wait and see if Arsenal can fight it off.