Arsenal and Liverpool have reportedly been handed a major blow in pursuit of Noa Lang, who prefers joining Serie A giants AC Milan instead.
According to a report by Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, Noa Lang is in favour of joining AC Milan instead of Premier League heavyweights Arsenal and Liverpool in the summer transfer window. The Serie A giants have already met the Dutch attacker’s entourage and will soon table an offer to prise him away from Club Brugge.
Noa Lang has burst onto the limelight since joining Club Brugge from Ajax. The 22-year-old initially moved to the Belgian club on loan for the 2020/21 season before completing a permanent transfer last summer. And he has not looked back in the past year, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young wingers in Belgium.
Lang has a solid record of eight goals and 13 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions thus far this season. At the same time, the player has also broken into the Dutch national side and could be a key figure for the Oranje at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Lang’s exploits have also attracted several European bigwigs, with Arsenal, Liverpool, and AC Milan keen on signing him.
The interest from Arsenal stems from the uncertainties surrounding the future of Nicolas Pepe, who has become a bit-part player this season. Lang could also take up the left-wing berth if Mikel Arteta converts Gabriel Martinelli into a striker again in the upcoming season. The youngster is thus a viable target for Arsenal.
As for Liverpool, the Reds are keeping their options open, with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane no closer to penning a renewal. Salah’s camp has already asserted that the Egyptian will not sign a new contract unless the Merseyside giants offer better terms. Lang has thus emerged as an attractive option for Liverpool.
But Arsenal and Liverpool are in the midst of a losing battle to land Lang, who prefers joining AC Milan instead. The 22-year-old could be a game-changing addition at the San Siro, with his qualities making him an upgrade over players like Alexis Saelemaekers, Brahim Diaz, and Junior Messias. With Rafael Leao heavily linked with Liverpool and Arsenal, Lang could be the Portuguese ace’s successor.
According to the report, Lang is tempted by the prospect of playing under Stefano Pioli, while the presence of Paolo Maldini, one of his idols, is also a determining factor in his decision. The Serie A giants are yet to table an offer to sign him, but Lang’s preference leaves them in a healthy position to win the race to secure his services.