Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Jakub Jankto and Jean Michael Seri

Arsenal are considering an approach for Udinese starlet Jakub Jankto as they strengthen their midfield before the start of the Premier League campaign.

According to Italian outlet Sportitalia (h/t Charles Perrin of the Daily Express), the player's representative has revealed the Gunners are interested in his client. Agent Beppe Riso has said Arsenal, Juventus and Inter Milan are considering buying the 21-year-old.

"Arsenal like him, he's a lover of English football, and he's also liked by Juve, Inter and other teams," said Riso. "Do I see him more in the Premier League than other leagues? Yes. Still, he's young, he's 21 years old, he must be calm and he's only thinking about Udinese."

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The Czech Republic international played 29 games in Serie A last term, scoring five and assisting four times, according to WhoScored.com.

Jankto is an improving talent but needs further games in a starting XI to reach his potential. A switch to a bigger team at this point could stunt his growth as he spends more time on the bench.

Here is Jankto in action:

In other Gunners news, Everton have joined Arsenal in the race for OGC Nice midfielder Jean Michael Seri as they consider alternatives to Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Per the Guardian's Ed Aarons (h/t David Wright of the Daily Express), the Toffees are looking at the 26-year-old but remain behind Arsenal in the race for his signature:

According to L'Equipe (h/t Sport Witness), Arsenal have a genuine interest in the central midfielder who is valued at €40 million after a fantastic year in Ligue 1.

Seri is a progressive individual but would not bring the steel needed in Wenger's selection.

The Ivory Coast international has the passing ability to feature in Wenger's favoured tactics, but Arsenal need a world-class enforcer.

Jankto and Seri are both excellent players who are on a upward curve in terms of their influence, but neither player fits Arsenal's immediate needs.

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The Gunners' 5-2 win over Benfica in the Emirates Cup on Saturday proved once more that the team's defence lacks discipline and options ahead of a pivotal season for the north London side.

Per Mertesacker is past his best and was exploited against the Portuguese at the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger must find players with a defensive mindset that allow his attackers to operate in the final third with economy.

Arsenal must end the season in the top four, otherwise Wenger's reign will be brought to a sudden end.