Arsenal have been boosted by the news that AC Milan have failed to make progress in their efforts to sign AS Roma star Alessio Romagnoli, reports talkSPORT.
The Rossoneri had apparently made a £20 million bid for the 20-year-old, but have now admitted on their official TV channel [via talkSPORT] that no progress has been made in the move. The Giallorossi want at least £25 million for the Italy Under 21 international, and the fee is likely to be the primary reason behind the delay.
It is unknown whether the Gunners would be willing to pay this much for the centre-back, but they are arguably in need of a player in the position, and may be tempted to splash out in order to acquire the talented youngster.
Arsene Wenger currently has Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, and Gabriel Paulista who are specialists in the position, and can also put Calum Chambers and Nacho Monreal there in an emergency.
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However, if they are going to challenge Chelsea for the Premier League title then they surely need to improve on this area before the transfer window closes. Last season, the North Londoners finished 12 points behind the Stamford Bridge outfit, and part of the problem was that they conceded more than their rivals and that their goal difference was inferior (by six goals).
Although they have already signed Petr Cech to improve their situation between the sticks, another centre-back would remove any lingering doubts over their back line.
Perhaps coupled with a move for a forward – they have been linked to Real Madrid ace Karim Benzema [Metro] – it would truly underpin the Gunners’ title credentials and begin to prompt observers to take the reigning FA Cup winners seriously.