AC Milan are hoping to pinch Aaron Ramsey from under the noses of the Premier League’s heavyweights.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool are all keen to snatch the 27-year-old Wales midfielder who will be available on a free next summer.
Talks between Ramsey and the Gunners over a new deal have broken down.
But Milan will welcome Ivan Gazidis to the San Siro later this year with Arsenal’s chief executive set to begin work in a similar role for the Italian club.
Gazidis will have a knowledge of the contract negotiations and Milan are hoping it will help as competition intensifies for Ramsey’s signature.
The club are ready to send Chelsea flop Tiemoue Bakayoko back to Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window with the former Monaco midfielder struggling for form and confidence.
Ramsey's camp are remaining tight-lipped about a move to Manchester United .
Sunday Mirror Sport reported this week that United are hoping to make it third time lucky as they step up their interest.
United made an approach for Ramsey last summer having previously tried to sign him from Cardiff when Sir Alex Ferguson was manager.
The Wales international has already vowed to see out the remainder of his contract at Arsenal and not seek a move away in January.
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Ramsey can speak to foreign clubs in the New Year, though, and sign a pre-contract agreement before the end of the season, which gives clubs in Serie A, the Bundesliga and La Liga an early advantage.
And his camp were remaining tight-lipped when asked about a potential move to United.
"There can’t be any interest in him at the moment because of the regulations," a source close to the player told the Manchester Evening News. “Might be different at the end of the season. Who knows?"