Arsenal open talks over deal for Sampdoria midfielder Dennis Praet?

Sampdoria midfielder Dennis Praet has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal.

Earlier this month, Newcastle United and Inter Milan were linked with an approach for Praet, while Juventus have held a long-standing interest in a player who has impressed in Serie A.

However, according to Gianluca Di Marzio, Arsenal have decided to enter the race for the Belgian, who possesses a release clause in the region of £22m.

New boss Unai Emery has allegedly been provided with an extra £20m to spend this summer, and Praet is said to be regarded as a cheaper alternative to Roma's Lorenzo Pellegrini.

Praet has spent the last two seasons with Sampdoria, scoring two goals in 64 appearances in Italy's top flight, but the player is not in contention to represent Belgium at this summer's World Cup.