Unai Emery is very keen on signing 22-year-old Nicolo Barella as a replacement for Aaron Ramsey and with Chelsea the other side keen on him, the Gunners could have an advantage.

UDINE, ITALY - MARCH 23: Nicolo Barella of Italy celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the 2020 UEFA European Championships group J qualifying match between Italy and Finland at Stadio Friuli on March 23, 2019 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 23: Nicolo Barella of Italy celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the 2020 UEFA European Championships group J qualifying match between Italy and Finland at Stadio Friuli on March 23, 2019 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Chelsea reportedly tried to sign the player back in January but now, as they stare down the barrel of a transfer window ban for the next two windows, Arsenal could have a clear(ish) run if they really do want the player.

According to a report from Italy, Arsenal have been scouting the player heavily with Emery so impressed he’s “appointed Barella as a potential replacement for Aaron Ramsey.”

However, there seems to be a bit of confusion over how much he could cost. This latest report says £27m however just a few weeks ago it was being claimed it would cost €50m to land him, a fee Arsenal are unlikely to pay in this upcoming window.

The club have been scouting him while he plays for Cagliari as well as with the Italian national side. The latest game was Italy’s 2-1 win over Finland in which Barella scored his first goal for his country.

Under contract with his Serie A side until 2022, he has one goal and two assists in 26 league appearances this season (2,303 minutes). To compare, Ramsey has three league goals and six assists in 25 games (1,146 minutes).