Arsenal have made an approach to sign Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski, according to Il Mattino (via AreaNapoli.it).
The Naples-based newspaper reports that the Serie A club are not open to selling the Polish international, despite finances being tight after failing to qualify for the Champions League.
Zielinski has been a consistent performer over the last five years for Napoli, having scored 32 goals and provided 28 assists in 239 appearances.
The 27-year-old only signed a new contract last August, and that is likely the reason why his Transfermarkt value, which stands at £45m, is so high.
It’s possible that Zielinski is being considered as a potential alternative to Manuel Locatelli. Sassuolo have confirmed that the Gunners have made a concrete offer for the Italian international but it is believed the player still favours a move to Juventus.
Contingency plans will need to be put in place if Locatelli does, as expected, turn down a switch to the Emirates, so Zielinski appears to be a viable option.