Arsenal are in the market for a goalkeeper to replace Petr Cech and are now linked with an ambitious move for AC Milan’s Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Petr Cech’s retirement plans have plunged Arsenal into the transfer market for a goalkeeper. Their search is ideally for a backup stopper to support first-choice goalkeeper Bernd Leno. Italian outlet, TuttoMercatoWeb are, however, now linking the Gunners with a swoop for Italian No. 1 Gianluigi Donnarumma.
How much truth lies in these links remains anyone’s guess, as the report suggests Arsenal are unhappy with Leno’s overall performances this season. Thus, their quest has taken them to Italian shores and onto the doors of the San Siro. The Gunners have reportedly scouted the AC Milan stopper for prolonged periods and now want to make a summer move for the Italian international.
The report has suggested that a move for Donnarumma would cost Arsenal around the £65 million mark that set Liverpool back in the deal for Alisson last summer. Back to the links with the North Londoners, and it is all too dubious from many angles.
The report suggests, it would take a transfer fee similar to what Liverpool paid for Alisson, meaning a deal to take Donnarummma would cost Arsenal around £65 million. Arsenal are thought to be operating on a modest budget of £45 million this summer, although it could increase if they qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
Donnnarumma was at odds with the club two seasons back. However, in the end, he signed a new contract with the San Siro outfit and has a deal until 2021. The report takes the angle of Financial Fair Play rules, meaning Milan might have to sell a few players to balance their books.
With Donnarumma being by far their most prized asset, the Rossoneri could be forced to cash in on Arsenal’s interest in him. However, the club are unlikely to sell their star man, given his age and the kind of future he could have at the San Siro.
With no money to spare, let alone £65 million on a goalkeeper and the fact that Emery is satisfied with Leno’s performances this season, the stories linking Arsenal with Donnarumma are not going to work out. The Gunners might want to switch their attention towards another keeper to become Leno’s understudy for next season, although Emiliano Martinez ought to be in the frame to be that.
