According to RMC Sport, Arsenal are battling AC Milan for the signature of Udinese midfielder Jakub Jankto. The 22-year-old joined from SK Slavia Prague in 2014 and has made more than 50 appearances in all competitions. His contract is up in 2021 but his future is uncertain given all the reported interest.
“They are certainly contenders. Jankto is an important player,” Giuseppe Riso said. “We decided with the Pozzo family not to talk about this in January, to allow him to develop and mature. Milan and Arsenal are teams who keep an eye on young players, so we will certainly talk about it [in the summer].”
Arsenal and Milan are two clubs keen on the Czech Republic international, with the former desperate to bolster their midfield. Granit Xhaka has been inconsistent this season, Jack Wilshere is out of contract this summer and Mohamed Elneny has hardly featured this season.
Jankto has scored and created seven goals in 25 Serie A games, making 43 tackles and interceptions. The midfielder has created 54 chances and would be a more offensive option if Arsenal were to sign him. The Gunners perhaps need a more defensively-minded player, but talkSPORT say Jankto appears to be on their radar.
Milan’s interest could prove a stumbling block in Arsenal’s bid to bring him to England, however, as the Serie A outfit have a geographical advantage. He wouldn’t break the bank either at £22.4m so the two sides could be joined by others in the race for his signature.