Arsenal have reportedly had their bid for Fiorentina center-half Nikola Milenkovic rejected. The highly-talented 24-year-old is about to become a free agent when the season ends. He naturally has peaked the interest of various European-giants.
The Red Devils were briefly about to make a move for Milenkovic this transfer window. But Erik ten Hag instead chose to go for Lisandro Martinez after their successful partnership at Ajax. West Ham United and the Serbian international reportedly linked as well. David Moyes seemingly on the hunt for defensive reinforcements. This is more important to them following Nayef Aguerd’s injury and Issa Diop’s possible departure. Milenkovic though does not look like a top priority for the Hammers. Arsenal reportedly tried to get a deal for the center-back earlier in the window.
According to Corriere dello Sport – via The Sun – Arsenal bid an offer to Fiorentina for Milenkovic, but La Viola quickly rejected the Gunners’ bid. The report adds that Fiorentina value the centre-back at around £18.5m. They now are also confident of agreeing a contract extension with the defender that secures him until the end of the 2024-25 season. Gunners have already went head to head with Fiorentina a couple of times this year. Firstly they lost out on the signing of Dusan Vlahovic to Juventus in the winter transfer window.
Lucas Torreira starred for La Viola on loan last term. He was thought to complete a permanent return to Italy. More so, as his contract with Fiorentina included a £12.5m option-to-buy clause. Though, La Viola tried to negotiate for a lower amount with Arsenal and a transfer didn’t materialize, ultimately leading the Uruguayan playmaker to sign for Galatasaray for a £5.5m transfer fee.
