Respected football journalist Pete O'Rourke has shared his excitement after Arsenal were linked to AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali recently. 

The lowdown: Gunners linked

Last week, Italian journalist Enrico Camelio told CalcioMercato on TvPlay that the Gunners had met the Serie A club and 'talked about' Tonali as a possible target this summer.

The 22-year-old Italy international has become an established member of the first team in Milan following a switch from Brescia as a teenager, amassing 82 senior outings that stretch across an initial loan spell.

Upon hearing about the speculation, one well-informed onlooker has delivered his verdict on the possibility of Tonali arriving at the Emirates Stadium...

The latest: 'Very talented'

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O'Rourke suggested that whilst the 11-cap star would be a superb capture, there are concerns over the pace of the Premier League.

He said: “Tonali’s a very talented midfielder, very highly-rated in Italy. I think he’s got real potential to be a top-class player in the future.

“Maybe the concern would be about the pace of the football, would it suit Tonali in the Premier League? But there’s no doubt he’s a quality player.”

The verdict: Icing on the cake

Although the summer business already carried out by Edu and Mikel Arteta should be commended, adding a midfielder would be regarded as the final piece of the transfer jigsaw on this occasion.

Perennially linked with a move for Youri Tielemans to bolster a midfield department comprising of Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny and the unproven Albert Sambi Lokonga, opting to go for Tonali instead would be an impressive move from the Arsenal hierarchy.

Holding an estimated market value of £45million and under contract until 2026 (Transfermarkt), signing the cultured Italian would be an expensive venture for the north Londoners but one that would certainly be worthwhile.