Arsenal FC have been linked with a move for Espanyol center back Hector Moreno and Barcelona right back Martin Montoya.
The Gunners have looked to Spain for a lot of their new recruits in the past few seasons and now they have been linked with two defenders plying their trade in Spain. According to Marca, the London club have submitted a bid of a 20m for Espanyol center back Hector Moreno.
The Mexican international has been previously linked with the Gunners last summer, before he suffered a major injury. The center back has made only 17 appearances for the Spanish side last season and this reported interest from Arsenal does come as a bit of surprise.
Moreno is already 27 and doesna t possess the quality to play for side hoping to challenge for the Premier League title next season. Moreover, Arsenal signed Gabriel Paulista from Villarreal in the last winter transfer window and are unlikely to accommodate another center back, unless someone is leaving Emirates this summer. Wenger is more likely to concentrate on the development of Calum Chambers and Paulista next season, as he prepares the duo to take over from an aging Per Mertesacker.
Meanwhile other reports in Spanish media suggest that Arsenal are planning another raid on Barcelona, this time for 24-year-old right back Martin Montoya. The Spaniard broke into the Barca first team for the first time in the 2010-11 season, but have failed to grab a regular place in the starting line-up. Reports suggest that the Gunners are monitoring his situation and will make a move to sign him this summer. Hosts of other European clubs have also been linked with the Barcelona defender.
Montoyaa s agent, Juan de Dio Carrasco, has revealed that a lot of clubs are interested in signing the player, but they are yet to decide on his future.
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“I can say there are some clubs in England [who are] very interested in Martin Montoya, but also in Italy and Germany [too].
“I cannot confirm the names of the English clubs interested yet. We have to think about everything and see what is best for the future of the player.” a Carrasco said in an interview.
A move for another right back seems unlikely for Arsenal at the moment. Hector Bellerin had a breakthrough season last time around and the Gunners also have French international Mathieu Debuchy in their ranks, who missed a chunk of last season due to fitness concerns. Arsene Wenger also has the option of deploying Chambers as a right back in case of emergency and it seems unlikely that they will need to add in that department this season.
