Wenger is interested in the Gabon midfielder
Arsenal have reignited their interest in Juventus’ Mario Lemina as Arsene Wenger looks to bolster his squad before the closure of the summer transfer window.
It is understood that the Gunners have shown an interested in the 22-year-old Gabon international, previously. However, they are now ready to up their efforts to sign the Juve midfielder this summer, despite already signing Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach for around £30 million.
Wenger is desperately in need of defensive reinforcements, following injuries to Per Mertesacker and Gabriel, as well as doubts over the fitness of Laurent Koscielny. But despite their needs at the back, Arsenal are keen to reinforce their midfield.
The Gunners are understood to want £20 million for Lemina, however, the north London club have so far offered around £16 million, and the Serie A outfit are in no rush to sell, and therefore have rebuffed Arsenal’s initial approach.
Bundesliga outfit Schalke are also interested in the former Marseille midfielder, therefore meaning Arsenal may have to pay more than they hoped, in order to fend off rival competition.
But with Marcelo Brozovic a target for the Old Lady, it may just be a matter of time before Lemina is allowed to leave the Juventus Stadium.
And should either of Axel Witsel or Blaise Matuidi arrive in Turin, Lemina’s role will come under question, making way for a potential move to the Gunners.
