Arsenal look set to get one over on Tottenham Hotspur after being given a huge boost in their pursuit of a transfer target this summer, according to Quotidiano Sportivo.
The Gunners and Tottenham are reportedly battling for the same player as the Gunners continue to assess their options in the market, with the aim of improving the players available to Mikel Arteta after winning the Premier League last season.
The forward areas are of interest, with talks ongoing to sign Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, as well as wonderkid Jeremy Monga from Leicester City.
There could be changes in midfield, too, as an exit for Christian Norgaard could force through a new signing for Arsenal in the central ranks.
One key target has been on the club's radar, but Tottenham have also been in the race. Now, both teams have their answer for the player's preference.
Manu Kone Prefers Arsenal Transfer
Arsenal have held interest in AS Roma and France midfielder Manu Kone this summer, but have recently faced a battle with Tottenham for the player, with their North London rivals joining the race for his signature.
The 25-year-old has caught the eye in Serie A, while his exploits at the World Cup with Les Bleus have only furthered the talks of a possible transfer this summer.
While the Gunners have shown keen interest, the recent rapid progress of Spurs in the market may well allow them to make a quick move for the midfielder.
However, according to Italian outlet Quotidiano Sportivo, Kone wants a move to Arsenal and is keen to compete in the Premier League next season with the champions.
That gives Arteta a clear advantage in the race for the midfielder, who has been described as "monstrous" in his playing style, if they make a concrete move to sign him.
As it stands, however, it's not just the two English clubs lining up for a deal. Atletico Madrid has been touted as a possible destination, as well as Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.
It means Arsenal may have to move quickly while they have the advantage over their rivals, as things could quickly change in the coming weeks.
Arsenal's Midfield Depth
Heading into the summer transfer window, a lot of the focus will naturally be on the forwards that Arsenal will try to sign, with the need to land someone who can create a spark and score out of nothing.
However, the midfield could be an equally important area to consider too. Out of the two deeper roles in Arteta's system, he relied heavily on Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice for much of last season.
Both looked exhausted towards the end of the campaign, and while Myles Lewis-Skelly provided some much-needed quality and energy at the end, there were still questions about whether Arteta rotated enough.
An exit for Norgaard could open space in the middle of the pitch for an arrival, and Kone would help bring immediate cover to allow for greater rotation.
Whether he would be happy with likely playing behind some others, remains to be seen, but it comes with joining a team as strong as Arsenal, and there will be plenty of games to feature in too.