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

Arsenal completed a number of significant signings during the summer transfer window but they may have competition if they return for one of the targets who didn’t join

AC Milan are one of three Italian teams ready to move for Arnau Martinez, it has been claimed. Girona right-back Martinez was linked with Arsenal over the summer, but has ended up staying put for the time being.

Milan have yet to bring in an experienced successor to Kyle Walker. The England international’s loan from Manchester City wasn’t made permanent, with Walker instead joining Burnley.

The Rossoneri also sold Emerson Royal to Flamengo, while Alessandro Florenzi retired and youngster Alex Jimenez joined Bournemouth on loan. Zachary Athekame was the only right-back to join, with the 20-year-old arriving from Young Boys, but more experience could be needed.

According to reports in Italy (via Football Italia ), Napoli and Juventus could rival Milan for Martinez. The Spaniard, whose contract with Girona runs until 2027, is expected to be available for less than £20m.

Arsenal’s links earlier in the summer came at a lower reported price point, of a little over £8m. It remains to be seen whether the Gunners would return in January if rival clubs are ready to pay the higher sum.

READ MORE: Manager speaks out on Arsenal’s £23m transfer decision after ‘difficult’ admissionREAD MORE: Chelsea star wanted by Arsenal this summer reveals why he turned down transfer

Martinez sat out Girona’s 5-0 defeat to Villarreal amid transfer speculation, but returned to the starting XI against Sevilla. The visitors ran out 2-0 victors, leaving Girona rock bottom of the table in La Liga after three rounds of matches.

The 22-year-old was also involved when Girona lost to Arsenal in the league phase of last season’s Champions League. A much-changed Gunners side came out on top that day, with Ethan Nwaneri scoring the winner in a comeback victory.

Milan have one win and one defeat from their first two Serie A games, beating Lecce 2-0 last time out. Ruben Loftus-Cheek was among the goals, and the 29-year-old returned to the England squad for the first time in six years during the current international break.

“It was always a pleasure (to work with him) and I’m very happy that I had the chance to call him up,” England boss Thomas Tuchel – who worked with Loftus-Cheek at Chelsea – said of 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 was an unused substitute on Saturday as England beat Andorra 2-0. Walker wasn’t part of the latest squad, having been called up by Tuchel in March and June.

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