Arsenal are reportedly ready to pay €40 million to sign Girona left-back Miguel Gutierrez, who could angle for a return to Real Madrid.
A report by Defensa Central claims that Arsenal are willing to fork out €40 million to sign Miguel Gutierrez ahead of the January transfer window. The Gunners are keen on the Girona full-backs, who dreams of returning to Real Madrid.
Arsenal need certain reinforcements to their squad ahead of the January transfer window, with Mikel Arteta particularly keen to add a new left-back. The early season injury to Jurrien Timber and the departure of Kieran Tierney has left the Gunners short in the position.
Timber, although being a right-sided player for all his life, impressed on the left flank when Arteta played him there in the Community Shield win. Hence, more than Tierney, losing the Dutchman seemed like a blow for Arsenal.
Oleksandr Zinchenko continues to struggle with his niggling muscle injuries, while Jakub Kiwior is not considered a sure starter. Arteta may look to strengthen in that position. Aaron Hickey emerged as a target for January, but with Brentford already losing Rico Henry, they will not see the value in selling the Scotsman.
Arsenal have switched their attention towards Miguel Gutierrez. The rising Girona star has helped the club to new heights since the start of the current season, and there is already chatter of a big move away from the club.
Girona would ideally like for him to stay put until the summer; a big offer in January may prove tempting for the Spanish club. As per the report, Arsenal are open to paying €40 million for the Spanish full-back. The figure may seem like overcompensation for a player of Gutierrez’s stature.
While Arteta likes Gutierrez, Arsenal face an uphill task to convince the player to join them over Real Madrid. The Spanish full-back left the Merengues for Girona and reportedly dreams of a return to the club.
On Real Madrid’s part, they are not overly keen to spend in January, but they could remain open to opportunities. For instance, Florentino Perez does not want to miss out on a player that Premier League clubs might sign, paying big money.
Gutierrez falls into that category, as Real Madrid still have 50% of his rights. This means they could sign him for half of what Arsenal are willing to pay, and for the future, it would make plenty of sense. They are in the market for a high-profile left-back like Alphonse Davies, but that move may have to wait until the summer.
Hence, Arsenal will find it tough to convince a player who wants a return to Real Madrid as well as financially compete with Los Blancos. Arteta will want to try, but the chances appear low at this point.
