Arsenal reportedly tried to sign AC Milan youngster Manuel Locatelli in the summer, but the Serie A giants rejected their bid out of hand.
According to Calciomercato.com's Fabrizio Romano, Gunners chief scout Neil Banfield watched the 18-year-old playmaker several times last season and Arsenal subsequently made an offer for him, which "Milan rejected without thinking twice."
Italian Locatelli made just two Serie A appearances last season but has broken into the side under manager Vincenzo Montella in 2016-17.
He has netted twice in 370 minutes of Serie A action so far this term, playing predominantly in his preferred role as a central midfielder, per WhoScored.