Arsenal face competition from German giants Bayern Munich in the race to sign Riccardo Montolivo.
The 25-year-old midfielder was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates during the summer months, with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger thought to be on the verge of signing the player at one stage in August.
A move never materialised however, and now the Bundesliga side are ready to go head-to-head with the north London club over a potential player transfer.
Serie 'A' giants Inter Milan and Juventus are also thought to be keen on the player, but Italian publication Tuttosport place Arsenal and Munich at the front of the queue to sign the player.
The player was seen as a potential replacement for Cesc Fabregas at the Emirates, should the player be sold to Barcelona. His move stalled, although is expected to be completed next summer, with defender Thomas Vermaelen even suggesting the the Catalan club is in the player's DNA.
If the Spaniard were to move to his homeland, Montolivo could be viewed as an ideal replacement for the influential skipper. With a wealth of experience at domestic, European and international level, it's no surprise that a number of clubs are interested in the Fiorentina player.
Frenchman Wenger might have to dig into his recently acquired funds if he's to beat off the competition for the Italy player though, and the Gunners will be expected to spend on another keeper either in January or next summer if they are to challenge for the Premier League title again.
