Arsenal are making a move to trump Tottenham for Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu.
The Japan international has been heavily linked with a switch to the white half of North London with Nuno Espirito Santo a keen admirer of the 22-year-old.
The Sun says Spurs, who have already agreed personal terms with the player, have already failed in a £12.9m bid.
Tottenham are claimed to be reluctant to meet the Serie A club's £17.2m price tag, and are only prepared to pay up to £15.5m.
This has led the Gunners to swoop in an attempt to snatch Tomiyasu, who can play at either centre or right-back, away from their rivals.
According to Sky Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio, both Arsenal and Spurs are in talks to prise the youngster away from Italy.
He claims that the teams are locked in negotiations with Bologna to find an agreement.