Arsenal are vying with Chelsea for the signature of Inter Milan midfielder Cesare Casadei, according to reports in the Italian media.

It is believed that the Blues are ready to make their first offer, worth around €7m-8m (£5.9m-6.7m), for the teenager, but it is unlikely to be accepted.

Inter are keen to get at least €20m (£17m) for Casadei, despite the fact that the Italian Under 19 international hasn’t made his senior debut yet.

Whether Arsenal would be prepared to pay that much for the youngster, it isn’t known. The Gunners are thought to be in the market for a midfielder, but spending that sort of money on somebody who hasn’t played at first-team level would be a massive risk.

Casadei is clearly very highly rated, considering Inter’s determination to keep hold of him, but you would expect that Mikel Arteta’s side will move on to other targets as they look to strengthen in the middle of the park.