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Arsenal fail with opening bid to sign £30m star as Emery looks to secure late deal

By on August 7, 2018

According to reports in Italy via the Metro, Arsenal have failed with their opening bid to sign AC Milan defender Ricardo Rodriguez as Unai Emery looks to push through a last minute deal.

Emery has already splashed around £70m on five new signings with goalkeeper Bernd Leno, right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner, centre-back Sokratis and midfield pair Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira all arriving this summer.

However, we could look to further strengthen our options at left-back over the coming days as Sead Kolasinac has been ruled out for up to 10 weeks with a knee injury and Nacho Monreal has been linked with a move back to Spain.

Youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles is expected to deputise against Manchester City this weekend but it seems Emery wants to bring in a more permanent solution before the window closes and Rodriguez has emerged as a prime target.

The 25-year-old only moved to the San Siro last summer following five years in Germany with Wolfsburg and he settled well in Italy having impressed during his 47 appearances to catch the eye of Arsenal.

It looks like we’ve now stepped-up our interest as the Metro are citing a report from Corriere dello Sport that claims Arsenal have tabled an opening offer to sign the Switzerland international but it was immediately knocked back by Milan.

The Italian outlet doesn’t say how much we offered but it is suggested that Rodriguez is valued at around £30m – although Milan appear reluctant to cash-in on the full-back this summer.

Arsenal face a race against time to get a deal agreed as the transfer window in England closes on Thursday evening but I’m a little surprised to hear we’re focussing on a new left-back.

MORE: Arsenal linked with stunning move for £45m star

Obviously it’s a blow to lose Kolasinac but Monreal will be fully-fit soon and we should simply refuse to sell him this summer. Maitland-Niles did well enough filling-in at left-back last season so there is no reason to spend big on another left-back in my opinion.

We’d be far better off spending the money on a top class centre-back or pacey winger….