Juventus' Alternative Prospect To Icardi Likely To Be Stolen By Arsenal, Reports Claim

Premier League contender Arsenal is reportedly the favourite to sign a Juventus prospect who is set to be an alternative for Mauro Icardi.

Lionel Messi’s Argentina side teammate, Icardi, has just completed his move to Paris Saint-Germain. Icardi’s move caused other clubs to make certain changes in their transfer plans. Juvefc.com reported that prior to the completion of Icardi’s transfer to PSG, Serie A giant Juventus was closely linked to the Argentinian. But after missing out on Icardi, the Old Lady is now reportedly looking at Napoli striker Arkadiusz Milik as an alternative, along with Premier League stars Raul Jimenez and Olivier Giroud.

According to Italian publication La Repubblica (via Whoscored.com), Milik's current deal with Napoli expires in 2021, and reports claimed that he has opted not to sign a new contract. With this assumption, Napoli would prefer to cash in on Milik’s transfer this summer than lose him next year for nothing. The club is reportedly expecting to receive offers no less than €50 million ($55.6 million)

However, even though Juventus is willing to negotiate, Arsenal has now emerged as the frontrunner in the race to sign Milik.

Sources claimed that Milik’s price tag is negotiable for the Gunners, making them the favorite to sign the Polish striker. Reports suggested that Arsenal could make use of Milik as a possible replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is set to part ways with Gunners this summer, and lead the line of Mikel Arteta with more opportunities in the frontline.

Juve, on the other hand, is not ready to back down. The Italian side has been courting the 26-year-old as it is also seeking a possible successor for Gonzalo Higuain, who has been linked to a summer return to the Premier League.

Milik has overcome two serious knee injuries during his time in Italy to star for this Naples side. This season, the Poland international has already scored nine goals in just 14 league starts.

Meanwhile, Arsenal has also been linked to a teenager who is being viewed as the “next Cristiano Ronaldo.” Reports claimed that Gunners could be the only club willing to spend $49 million for Sporting Lisbon star Joelson Fernandes, a player who reportedly plays like a young “CR7.”

Ahead of the possible move, Gunners fans on Twitter are already thrilled about welcoming the Portuguese sensation into the club. The only problem for the Fernandes move is his staggering price tag as a teenager. But at this point, no other club is believed to be open to spend for Fernandes aside from Arsenal.