Arsenal have reportedly insisted that they are yet to make a bid for Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli.
The Italy international will almost certainly depart the Serie A outfit this summer due to his performances for club and country.
Giovanni Carnevali, the Sassuolo CEO, has claimed that the Gunners have already made an official approach for the 23-year-old in a bid to fend off interest from Juventus.
However, according to Goal, sources at Arsenal have dismissed suggestions that they have made a concrete move for the player.
The report adds that the Premier League outfit have acknowledged that they hold an interest in Locatelli, who could cost in the region of £34m.
Mikel Arteta may look to sign two central midfielders over the coming weeks with Granit Xhaka expected to follow Dani Ceballos in departing the Emirates Stadium.