With a big summer revamp possibly around the corner, Arsenal have reportedly set their sights on AC Milan youth team star Manuel Locatelli.

The Italian youth international is yet to make his first team debut but has been on the bench for nine Serie A games so far this season, including Milan’s last six games as a debut edges closer.

Currently playing for Milan’s youth team each week, Locatelli is a tall midfielder already earmarked as a future captain of the Italian giants. Unfortunately for Arsenal, who have been watching him, Leicester City and Italian manager Claudio Ranieri are now interested as well.

Locatelli, who turned 18 in January, can play holding midfield as well as right in the middle of the park and has won 10 u18 caps for Italy in the last year and six for the u19 team (via Soccerway and Transfermarkt), following on from the 25 appearances he made for his country at u17 level. It’s clear that he’s incredibly highly rated.

Despite securing a new owner last summer, Milan’s financial state remains questionable and they would be open to good offers, even if they are reluctant to sell. There’s nothing to say Arsenal’s interest is genuine but it’s certainly something to look out for.

Since last winter, the Gunners have made a huge push to secure the signings of youth talents from all over Europe, most prominently signing Krystian Bielik and Jeff Reine-Adelaide. Other young stars, such as Donyell Malen, Joao Virginia and Vlad Dragomir, have impressed for the youth sides in north London this season. Maybe Locatelli is the next player, after Nigerian talents Kelechi Nwakali and Samuel Chukwueze complete their moves, to join them.