Arsenal are long term admirers of Rubin Kazan forward Sardar Azmoun, according to Calciomercato.com.
The Italian news outlet report that Lazio are currently in the driving seat to sign a player who has been described by some journalists as the “Iranian Messi.”
So far in his club career, Azmoun has failed to live up to such a lofty comparison. He was loaned out to fellow Russian club FC Rostov for two years, scoring 25 goals in 77 appearances, before returning to Rubin this month.
The striker has scored more goals at international level (19 goals from 26 caps), and he was also a firm target for Liverpool in the January transfer window, although a switch to the Premier League never materialised.
The 22 year old is rated at €20m by Rubin, according to Calciomercato, but Lazio are only willing to pay between €5m-€6m currently. They are waiting for the sale of forward Keita Balde Diao to go through before increasing their bid for Azmoun but the website says this could open the door to other clubs, including Arsenal, to swoop for the striker.
