Inter Milan midfielder and Arsenal transfer target Marcelo Brozovic has reportedly opened talks with the Nerazzurri regarding a contract extension, while the Gunners are also tracking Legia Warsaw youngster Ondrej Duda.

According to Sky Sports Italia (h/t Daily Express‘ James Gray), Brozovic’s loan deal with Inter is set to expire at the end of the season, but the club has an option to make the move for the Dinamo Zagreb loanee permanent.

The Italians were always expected to trigger the option, but some rumours suggested they were open to the idea of immediately selling the Croatia international for a nice profit. It now seems the club wants to keep the 23-year-old in the Italian fashion capital, however.

Brozovic has emerged as a key figure in Inter’s midfield this season, showing his versatile skill set and tremendous talent. He played a huge role in the 3-0 win over Juventus in the Coppa Italia, which was nearly good enough to advance to the final, per Lega Serie A:

While he does his best work as a central midfielder, he has played in a more advanced role and even out wide as well this season. He’s usually given every opportunity to pull out wide and fire crosses into the box, and Inter give him the green light to shoot from distance as well.

That has resulted in some spectacular strikes this season, as you can see in the video below:

Croatia has produced a fair share of talented midfielders the last few years―think of Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Mateo Kovacic―and it’s a testament to Brozovic’s skill that he’s still a regular starter for the national team.

Arsenal seem set to part ways with a number of veterans in central midfield, as Mathieu Flamini, Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky all appear headed for the exit door. Brozovic would have made for a fine replacement, although he always seemed more likely to stay with Inter.

Tuttosport (h/t talkSPORT) previously claimed £15 million would be enough to convince the Nerazzurri to sell, but Brozovic’s value has only increased since then, and it will likely take a lot more to sign the Croatian this summer.

Duda would be another, less expensive option, and one which could produce better results in the long run. According to Portuguese newspaper Record (h/t Metro.co.uk’s Tom Olver), Arsenal are among a host of teams scouting the 21-year-old.

Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Stoke City, Southampton, Newcastle United and West Ham United are all linked with the Slovakia international, as well as Portuguese side Sporting Braga.

Here’s a look at what he brings to the table:

Duda has been compared to Paris Saint-Germain star Angel Di Maria for his remarkable pace and killer instinct in front of goal, and he’s been steadily honing his craft since making his debut for Legia in 2014.

The youngster seems perfectly happy in Poland for now, but given his obvious potential, he’s bound to outgrow the league at some point in the near future. Arsenal have an excellent relationship with Legia―they previously signed star midfielder Krystian Bielik without too many problems―which would give them an advantage in negotiations.

Other clubs may be able to offer Duda more immediate playing time, however, which may push the attacking midfielder toward the Portuguese league or one of the smaller Premier League clubs.

 

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