Arsenal are reportedly interested in 17-year-old Nice defender Malang Sarr with AC Milan also in the race for the young centre-back
Italian publication Tuttomercatoweb have claimed that both Arsenal and AC Milan are interested in Nice defensive prodigy Malang Sarr. The 17-year-old has been able to lock down a regular place at the heart of the Nice defence and is now attracting interest from two European heavyweights in Arsenal and AC Milan.
OGC Nice have started the Ligue 1 campaign on song with Lucien Favre’s men being the surprise leaders going into the international break. Favre has his defence to thank for the strong start to the season with the club recording just 5 goals conceded, the fewest in the league thus far and 17-year-old Malang Sarr has been a key component of the defence.
The defensive prodigy has graduated from the youth academy at Nice and has started each of the club’s games in both Ligue 1 and UEFA Europa League. The player’s rise has been meteoric and his commanding presence at the back has captured the attention of Arsenal and AC Milan.
AC Milan’s new Sporting Director Massimiliano Mirabelli seems to be taking special interest in the player and is reportedly keen on a deal. But, the Rossoneri are not alone as Arsenal are also interested in the 17-year-old French youngster.
Arsene Wenger seems to have also taken a liking to the young Nice defender and has reportedly assigned a scout to monitor the player on each Match Day and report back to the French manager. Wenger is looking at Sarr as a potential long-term Per Mertesacker replacement, with the German veteran linked with a January exit from the club.
AC Milan have a new-found war chest at their disposal with the new Chinese investors at helm and Arsenal have given a hint of their own financial strength with the Gunners’ cash reserve shown as the highest in the footballing world. It is likely that both the clubs would be prepared to pull out big money for the 17-year-old defensive prodigy who looks set for a bright future.