Arsenal target could be replace England star as delayed move lined up

AC Milan are reportedly set to rival Arsenal for the signing of Girona right-back Arnau Martinez, who has also been linked with Napoli and Juventus in recent weeks

AC Milan are reportedly among three Italian clubs eyeing a move for Girona’s right-back Arnau Martinez. The player was previously linked with Arsenal during the summer transfer window, but remained at his current club.

Milan have yet to find an experienced replacement for Kyle Walker, whose loan spell from Manchester City did not result in a permanent move, with Walker instead opting for Burnley.

The Rossoneri also bid farewell to Emerson Royal, who moved to Flamengo, while Alessandro Florenzi hung up his boots and young talent Alex Jimenez was loaned out to Bournemouth. Zachary Athekame, a 20-year-old right-back from Young Boys, was the only addition to the squad, but more experience might be required.

Italian reports (via Football Italia) suggest that Napoli and Juventus could also be in the running for Martinez. The Spanish player, who is under contract with Girona until 2027, is believed to be available for less than £20m.

Arsenal were previously linked with Martinez at a lower price point of just over £8m. It remains to be seen whether the Gunners would re-enter the fray in January if other clubs are willing to meet the higher asking price, reports the Mirror.

Martinez was absent from Girona’s 5-0 loss to Villarreal amidst transfer rumours, but returned to the starting line-up against Sevilla. Despite his return, Girona suffered a 2-0 defeat, leaving them languishing at the bottom of the La Liga table after three rounds of matches.

The 22-year-old was also present when Girona suffered defeat against Arsenal during last season’s Champions League group stage. A heavily rotated Gunners outfit emerged victorious that evening, with Ethan Nwaneri netting the decisive goal in a stirring fightback.

AC Milan have managed one victory and one loss from their opening two Serie A fixtures, most recently dispatching Lecce 2-0. Ruben Loftus-Cheek found the net in that triumph, with the 29 year old earning a recall to the England setup for the first time in six years during this international window.

“It was always a pleasure (to work with him) and I’m very happy that I had the chance to call him up,” England manager Thomas Tuchel – who previously coached Loftus-Cheek at Chelsea – remarked about the midfielder. “He’s a very, very nice guy to be around, very friendly, very polite, good sense of humour, and he is full of quality.

“Sometimes I’m not sure if he is aware how good he is, how good he can be, but he fits in seamlessly because of his character and quality. He showed it straight away.”

Loftus-Cheek remained on the bench throughout Saturday’s 2-0 triumph over Andorra. Walker was absent from the most recent squad, despite receiving call-ups from Tuchel in both March and June.