Arsenal are stepping up their pursuit of Banfield winger Agustin Urzi, according to Todofichajes.com. The Spanish rumour mongers claim the Gunners have pushed ahead with plans at the “express request” of head coach Mikel Arteta.

The 20-year-old has spoken out in recent weeks about his desire to play in English football, singling out Manchester City as a team he admires most due to the style of football employed by manager Pep Guardiola.

As well as City, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid are also said to be after Urzi, who reportedly has a €30m (£27m) release clause.

Todofichajes do, however, say that Arsenal “accelerates” in their attempts to sign the Argentinian Under 23 international, suggesting that they are the frontrunners to sign him when the next transfer window opens.

The website is not a particularly reliable source of information, though, so it is best to treat this story with a large pinch of salt.