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According to Tuttosport, Arsenal and Liverpool are competing for the signature of Benfica midfielder Bryan Cristante. The 23-year-old is currently out on loan at Atalanta, who are one of many sides interested in signing him on a permanent deal.

Cristante is reportedly also a target for Inter Milan, Juventus, Liverpool, West Ham United and Watford as a result of his fine form out on loan, so Arsenal have stiff competition to land their man. The S*n say the midfielder could cost around £27m.

Arsenal have Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny as options in the midfield, but with Wilshere and Ramsey no closer to signing a new deal, the Gunners may well need to shop for a replacement. Elneny was put up for sale last summer too.

Cristante has scored seven goals in 21 Serie A starts this season, creating 27 chances, but is also adept defensively – averaging a tackle or interception every 27 minutes. He wouldn’t break the bank at £27m, but the amount of clubs reportedly keen on him could prove a stumbling block for Arsenal.

The S*n say Atalanta will take up an option to buy Cristante for £2m, before selling him on for a considerable profit.

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