Report: Arsenal step up interest in Cagliari ace Nicolo Barella

Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their interest in Nicolo Barella after sending scouts to watch the Cagliari midfielder in action.

The 22-year-old has long been touted as a target for Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea, seen as an ideal replacement for Cesc Fabregas following his mid-season switch to Monaco.

Chelsea are rumoured to have had a £44m bid knocked back for Barella in January, and Arsenal are believed to have now stolen a march on their city rivals.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that the Gunners watched the Italy international up close in Cagliari's 2-1 win over Inter Milan on Friday evening.

Barella missed a late penalty in that surprise win for his side, leaving him on one goal and two assists for the campaign.

Cagliari supposedly want £44m for their academy product, which would eat up Unai Emery's entire summer budget.