Arsenal have been handed a huge boost in their efforts to sign this Serie A defender.

Roma defender Alessio Romagnoli has been nearing an exit from the club for some time, with the centre back reportedly close to a move to Milan with rivals AC Milan. However, according to reports, negotiations for the Italian are at a standstill, due to Milan refusing to pay the amount Roma are insistent on.

The defender has been hyped as one of the best up and coming players of his time. At just 20, Romagnoli has plenty of time to fully develop, and Arsenal would be a brilliant club for him to ply his trade at.

It is believed that AC Milan are only willing to stump up around £20m for the defender, but Roma are holding out for £25m. Whether or not Arsenal would be willing to fork out that sort of money for such a young player is not known, but Arsene Wenger is said to be monitoring the situation with a view to placing a bid for the Italy U21 international.

Arsenal are yet to make a real impact in the transfer market this summer, having made only one major signing so far. It is believed Wenger is in for a centre back, with the likes of Per Mertesacker gradually declining with age.

Romagnoli spent last season on loan at Sampdoria and made 31 appearances in all competitions. The defender has impressed on all levels, and is touted for a call-up to the Italian senior team.