Arsenal had sent their scouts to keep a close watch on midfielder Jakub Jankto during Udinese’s 2-2 draw against Torino over the weekend. The Czech international has been one of the bright spots for the Serie A outfit, who are currently placed 12th with eight games to play.
The north London giants watched the box-to-box midfielder net the opener in the second-half as he stormed into the box before letting it fly from a tight angle into Joe Hart’s goal.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the central midfielder left a fruitful impression on the Gunners’ scout following yet another impressive performance in the Udinese shirt.
Jankto, just 21, is regarded as one of the promising midfield prospects in the Italian division, and his showing has attracted interest from a gaze of Premier League clubs including Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion.
Arsene Wenger’s side have been on occasions found short in the midfield department owing to injuries, and it is understood that they will move in for a new anchorman during this summer’s transfer window.
Veteran star Santi Cazorla is understood to have penned a one-year extension at the Emirates, but his future still remains uncertain owing to his recurring Achilles problem which has hindered his playing time over the past 20 months.
Midfield duo Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Aaron Ramsey will also enter the final year of their contracts in the summer, and this is likely to be a concern for the club, who are yet to resolve the futures of key duo Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.
Francis Coquelin has remained a Wenger favourite over the past couple of seasons, but there are still question marks over his place alongside Granit Xhaka despite having inked a four-year deal earlier in the year.
Egypt international Mohamed Elneny and Jack Wilshere (on loan) are the other options to occupy the heart of the midfield, but neither seem to earn the confidence of the Gunners boss.
As of now, Wenger’s future remains the prime point of discussion with the club seemingly willing to offer him an extension despite protests from a section of fans to deny him a contract beyond the summer.
