Gunners open talks over Serie A midfielder.
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Arsenal have made a formal offer to AC Milan to take experienced Dutch international midfielder Nigel de Jong on a season-long loan after learning of Mikel Arteta’s injury blow.
The Gunners captain faces two weeks or more on the sidelines after going off injured in the team’s 0-0 draw with Besiktas on Tuesday, and his absence has exposed a lack of depth for Arsene Wenger’s side in that position.
Arsenal have been linked with some big names in the defensive midfield role this summer, but have so far failed in their attempts to sign the likes of Real Madrid star Sami Khedira or Sporting Lisbon youngster William Carvalho.
There has also been some suggestion that the north London giants could revive their interest in Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, also a top target for their rivals Tottenham Hotspur, or even bring in their former player Alex Song on a loan deal from Barcelona.
However, de Jong is seemingly Wenger’s top target as it is thought that Milan may be willing to loan him out for a small fee, and talks have already begun between the two clubs over what that price will be.
Arsenal are also willing to pay de Jong’s wages for the entire season, with Wenger known to be a long-time admirer of the former Manchester City man, who would no doubt add plenty of bite to the Gunners’ midfield.
The 29-year-old is known for being a highly aggressive and competitive figure in the middle of the park, though he also possesses the technical quality on the ball to be a useful asset to this team for the season ahead.
De Jong was a Premier League title winner during his time with City, and his experience could be useful in this Arsenal squad as they look to improve their title challenge this year.
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