There is just one week remaining of the January transfer window and Arsenal remain eager to bolster their squad ahead of the season run-in.
Over £140 million was splashed on new recruits during the January transfer window with Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares and Martin Odegaard all brought in.
They have proven to be successful moves on the whole and Mikel Arteta will expect to be backed again this month.
But the Spaniard is not likely to splash money on players just for the sake of it, with a certain profile of player required to match the manager's standards.
One thing we do know is that the club's midfield contingent is in need of reinforcements.
The Gunners have failed to win a game in January and have had to contend without Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka in that period after red cards.
Georginio Wijnaldum, Bruno Guimaraes and Renato Sanches have all been linked with moves but the latest name is someone slightly more obscure.
Calcio Mercato reported on Monday morning that the Gunners were targeting Empoli midfielder Samuele Ricci.
The 20-year-old fits the transfer strategy set out by Arteta and Edu in the summer, of signing young players who will improve during their time at the Emirates.
As reported by The Mirror, Gazzetta have previously described the diminutive midfielder as "mini Jorginho", comparing Ricci to his countryman and Chelsea midfielder.
Predominantly a box-to-box midfielder, Ricci has the potential to fill a gap in what is, at times, a lacklustre midfield that has proven too easy to play against in the past.
Robust in the challenge but adept with the ball at his feet, he is well versed in breaking up opponents' play and driving his side upfield too.
He will have two years remaining on his deal come the end of the season, but with Empoli already 12 points clear of relegation, there is a chance they could be willing to part with the player this month and cash in on him.
