Real Madrid ‘refuse’ Arteta’s ‘last-minute’ offer for ‘priority’ signing
Arsenal made a late effort to sign Real Madrid striker Brahim Diaz during the January transfer window, according to reports.
Diaz made headlines last month for his Panenka misses last-second penalty in Africa Cup of Nations final.
His team Morocco then lost in extra time to Senegal, and the 26-year-old was forced to accept his top scorer award after crying.
Brahim Diaz at Arsenal: what you need to know
A move in January to Arsenal would have been very surprising, with Mikel Arteta saying he is happy with the squad he has.
Mikel Merino actually suffered a serious foot injury in the final days of the winter transfer window, which sparked rumors about Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali or Leon Goretzka from Bayern Munich moving to the Emirates.
However, no transfer materialized and the Gunners should still have enough depth in Merino’s absence.
Additionally, Arsenal spent £60 million on Ebere Eze last summer and, although he has struggled to impress, Arteta is unlikely to sanction another big-money playmaker signing.
Arsenal’s ‘last minute attempt’ to sign Real Madrid star in January
However, a report from Africafoot claims Arsenal made a ‘last minute attempt’ to sign Brahim from Real Madrid.
Arsenal’s ‘approach’ in the ‘final hours’ of the winter window was met with a ‘categorical refusal’ from Los Blancos, according to the report.
Indeed, Madrid “left no room for negotiation”, with the club’s hierarchy considering the 26-year-old – who has also been linked with Newcastle – as an “important part of his offensive rotation”.
The report does not rule out a departure this summer, with the arrival of a new manager who would ultimately decide the Moroccan international’s future.
Madrid have clearly shown no intention of letting Brahim leave, but Arsenal are said to have seen the striker as an “immediate solution” as Arteta prepares for a busy second half of the season after reaching the Champions League last 16, the Carabao Cup final and the FA Cup fourth round, where they face League One side Wigan Athletic.
When evaluating possible late transfers, Brahim “quickly emerged as a priority” for Arsenal, particularly impressed with his “versatility and ability to play in a variety of attacking roles”.
The transfer did not materialize and the Premier League leaders “will have to explore other options to strengthen their offensive sector.”
Arsenal team news for Sunderland
Arsenal are next to face Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday.
A win would put them nine points clear of Manchester City, who travel to Liverpool on Sunday.
Gunners boss Arteta confirmed on Friday that Jurrien Timber is fit and available this weekend, while Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Max Downman are not ready.
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