Arsenal have reportedly joined Manchester City in the race for Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a stellar start to the Serie A campaign, starting all seven of his side's league contests at the top table of Italian football.
Yet to provide a goal or an assist in the league, Ricci is more a defensive-minded player, possessing the ability to protect the backline and start attacks from deep.
The youngster holds relative international pedigree, having featured on five occasions for the Italy senior side since making his debut in June 2022.
Since making the permanent switch from fellow Italian side Empoli over the summer of 2022, Ricci has featured on 74 occasions for Torino, scoring three times.
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Arsenal join Man City in Ricci pursuit?
According to CaughtOffside, another Premier League heavyweight has joined champions Manchester City in the race for Torino's Ricci during 2025.
The report states that title challengers Arsenal are keeping a close eye on the progress of the 23-year-old, who is quickly establishing himself as a top-class defensive midfielder.
It is understood that Torino value Ricci at £42m, although it is believed that neither the Citizens or the Gunners rate the Italian that highly at this stage.
As well as Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta, Ange Postecoglou also supposedly has an eye on the five-time international, with Tottenham Hotspur set to rival their English counterparts for the player's signature.
While Torino have reportedly placed a £42m price-tag of Rucci, it is said that the Premier League clubs value the midfielder at around the £25m mark.
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Who needs Ricci the most?
Man City's interest in Ricci comes as no surprise considering the season-ending injury suffered by Rodri during the match with Arsenal in September.
The Citizens look shakier in defence without the commanding presence of the Euro 2024-winning Spaniard in midfield, so reinforcements in that position are a main priority ahead of the January window.
As for Arsenal, with Thomas Partey and Jorginho hurtling towards the expirations of their contracts in the summer, the North London club are in need of new faces in the engine room.
Consequently, Rucci could be a long-term starter at the Emirates, whereas he is only likely to fill in at the Etihad until Rodri is back up to fitness.
Carter White
