Arsenal have moved ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign highly-rated Roma forward Mattia Destro after reportedly opening negotiations with the Italian club.
Destro, 22, has been touted for a January move away from the Stadio Olimpico after scoring four times in five Serie A starts this season.
The £20m-rated Italian has 22 goals in 49 Giallorossi appearances overall and, according to the Daily Star, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has opened talks with his club.
The Italy international, whose contract expires in 2017, is also said to have courted interest from Chelsea.
