Arsenal are in advanced talks with Roma over a swap deal between Lucas Torreira and Amadou Diawara, according to reports.
Despite impressing since moving to the Emirates from Sampdoria in 2018, Torreira struggled to regain his place in Arteta’s team after suffering an ankle injury in March.
The Uruguay midfielder started just two games after the restart in June and said earlier this month if he leaves Arsenal “it will be for the best”.
Arsenal are ready to offer Diawara a five-year contract, but Lucas Torreira’s agent is yet to agree.
Roma were recently bought by US billionaire Dan Friedkin for £532m and the club believe they have “great relations” with Arsenal, according to La Gazetta dello Sport.
Last week, Torreira told Uruguayan radio station Sport 890 : “Today I need to think about my future very well.
“I have a contract with the club and I have to respect it, obviously if I have to leave it will be for the best. We have to be calm and wait.”
Meanwhile, Diawara struggled with meniscus injuries but played 30 matches as he helped Roma finish fifth in Serie A.
Diawara scored an important penalty as Roma beat Torino 3-2 in their second to last league match on their way to securing Europa League qualification.
Diawara, who is rated at around £27million, has also been linked with a couple of other Premier League sides including Tottenham, Leicester and Leeds.