Arsenal transfer blow as AC Milan ready £43m double bid for big-name duo

Italian giants preparing ambitious double swoop.

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Arsenal transfer news

AC Milan could deal a major blow to Arsenal’s transfer plans this summer as they reportedly line up a combined bid of £43m to sign Porto striker Jackson Martinez and AS Monaco midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia.

The Daily Mirror reports that the Italian giants have made offers for the pair, with Arsene Wenger believed to have been particularly keen on bringing in Martinez to bolster his options up front.

Given that Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck both had slightly unconvincing seasons at the Emirates Stadium in 2014/15, it makes sense that the prolific Colombian would be on the Gunners’ radar, having netted 32 times in all competitions for his club this term.

Although there is no guarantee that the 28-year-old would be able to take that form with him to the Premier League, which is a much higher standard of competition, it’s clear that his record since moving to Portugal has made him an attractive target for some big teams this summer, with Milan now looking his likeliest destination for next season.

After a disappointing season in Serie A, the San Siro outfit could certainly do with some big-name signings as they look to break back into the top four in Italy, and the Mirror also claims Kondogbia is on their wish-list.

The young Frenchman has impressed in Ligue 1 since he joined Monaco from Sevilla in 2013, and the Daily Star have previously mentioned that his form has caught the eye of Liverpool and Manchester United as well as from Arsenal, whom the Mirror lists as Milan’s main rivals for his signature.

Arsenal may be ready to cool their interest in a new defensive midfielder in this transfer window, given the surprise boost of some superb form from youngster Francis Coquelin this season, who became a regular starter for Wenger’s side after an injury crisis saw the club recall him from a loan spell at Charlton Athletic.