Antonio Candreva is an Italy international of 22 caps and he was widely expected to depart this summer after Lazio finished a lowly ninth in Serie A. However, Candreva was impressive for the Italian club as he scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in the league last season.

Arsenal were rumoured to be interested in his services but a move was far from being finalised. The Gunners hopes of reviving their interest in January have suffered a blow with the Express reporting that Candreva will be offered a new deal to stay at the club till 2019.

Lazio never wanted to lose the 27-year-old and are ready to offer him a bumper pay rise that will see his wages increase to £1.6 million a season from the current £900,000 a season. They are also ready to make him club captain to ward off interest from Premier League clubs including Arsenal and North London rivals Tottenham.