Arturo Vidal
Arturo Vidal made 45 appearances for Juventus scoring 18 goals in all competitions. Getty Images

Arsenal are reportedly ready to challenge Manchester United's resolve in acquiring the signature of Arturo Vidal from Juventus during the summer transfer window.

The Metro claims that the Gunners are preparing to launch a staggering £44m to steal a march on the Red Devils. United have been monitoring the Chilean international for long and are believed to be considering a £30m bid of their own to sign the midfielder.

Incoming manager Louis van Gaal is planning a massive overhaul of his squad and has already signed Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao and Luke Shaw from Southampton.

However, the Dutchman could fail to land the former Bayer Leverkusen star if he does not table a bid in excess of the amount Arsenal are said to be offering.

The report states that Arsene Wegner is considering his midfield options and has circled the three-time Serie A winner as an ideal candidate to strengthen his squad for the upcoming campaign.

Vidal, who still has three years left in his current contract, fuelled speculation about his exit by declaring uncertainty about his future with the Bianconeri.

"Will I stay at Juventus? I do not know, I just think about the World Cup and the national team now. After the World Cup we will see what will be my future," the Daily Express quoted Vidal as saying.

The 27-year-old is one of Juventus's star players and their coach Antonio Conte last month insisted that the club would not part ways with the midfielder in the summer.

The Metro's report also suggests that the reigning Italian champions are under no pressure to sell their prized asset but the north London club will attempt to do business over their massive offer.

Wenger too has admitted his fondness for the South American and looks keen on breaking the club record transfer fee twice in less than a year.

"Vidal is one of the best midfielders in the world. He has everything. Incredible stamina, perfect timing. He's a marathon athlete who plays football," the 64-year-old Frenchman said.

Should Vidal desire to leave Turin this summer, a move to the Emirates could be his preferred destination. Wenger can offer him the lure of Champions League football, a luxury which will be absent at Old Trafford next season.