Arsenal’s reported pursuit of Federico Dimarco has officially reached a dead end, with the Inter Milan full-back reaffirming his commitment to the Nerazzurri.
Despite long-standing interest from Arsenal, which dates back at least three years, Dimarco’s loyalty to his boyhood club and Inter’s stability under Simone Inzaghi have ensured that the 27-year-old will remain a cornerstone of their squad.
PREMIER TRIES DIMARCO, STRETCHER STICKS SAY: INTER FOREVER The two Manchester clubs, Arsenal and Liverpool the clubs that attempted the lunge, but without finding openings La Gazzetta dello Sport - Puglia14 Dec 2024 GETTY It is April 22, 2024: the smiles (from left) of Federico Dimarco, 27, Alessandro Bastoni, 25, and Nicolo Barella, 27, after the victory in derb con And even in recent times, they have not the slightest intention to move, nor to listen to tempting proposals that concern them. They made it clear to the company, but also to their agents. And yes, the offers have arrived. And yes, there are prestigious clubs that have attempted a bite, finding the door barred at the start. There is a way and a way, moreover, to prepare for the possibility of a pressing. The three, with different timings, chose the same line: don't even knock. The Premier attempts were there, anyway. Multiple. Take Stretcher: Guardiola's City Stretella, Lautaro, Bisseck, Dumfries, Asllani and coach Simone Inzaghi: in less than seven months the new ownership of Inter, the US Oaktree fund, has completed six contract renewals, giving stability and continuity to the technical project of the past seasons he tried twice, the first in summer 2023 and the second last summer. She is not the only big Premier who has probed the ground: Nicolo has been in the notebook of Arsenal and Liverpool, the latter in Klopp's time. But it never went beyond the survey. Because Barella looks great in Milan from every point of view and does not see before him the need neither technical nor environmental to change. It also applies to Sticks, for that matter. Who has already renewed his contract twice, since taking the covers of Inter. There was a time when England attempted a pressing. There has been much talk of Manchester City But the most concrete contact was that with Manchester United: we did not arrive, even in this case, to the offer to be delivered to Inter just because the same Bastoni said no at the start. Similar reasoning for Dimarco, whose consecration made noise especially in the Premier League: the left-hander ended up in Arsenal's notebook. Today he could have been Calafiori's teammate, but he continues to give joys to Inzaghi. The axis And also gives them to society. Inter that four years ago opened a winning cycle, did so in the hope of building over time a historic group of the dressing room, a supporting axis around which to change players without affecting the result. If a comparison can be made explicit, it is what theuv Here: with Stretcher, Sticks and Dimarco Inter is safe. From a sporting point of view, of course, given the performance of the three. But also on a more general level, which calls into question leadership and a sense of belonging. Today it is easy, for a new purchase, to enter Inter because you immediately recognize the references. And this thing is of extreme help to society, of course. But it is also for Inzaghi, who knows how to lean in the moments he considers appropriate, the less simple ones, those in which the pressure feels stronger. Inter have a recognizable face today. And he also has it in the faces of Stretcher, Sticks and Dimarco, not surprisingly columns also of the National team. A winning cycle is built like this. READING TIME 3 ' 20”
Gazetta dello Sport, PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS TARGET DIMARCO, BUT INTER STANDS FIRM Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool all made…
The Gunners first emerged as suitors for Dimarco in 2022, when Mikel Arteta’s side were searching for a reliable and versatile left-back to address ongoing concerns in defence.
Reports at the time highlighted Dimarco’s impressive technical abilities, positional awareness, and capacity to contribute both defensively and offensively. Arsenal’s recruitment team saw the Italian international as a player perfectly suited to Arteta’s system, particularly given his ability to thrive in overlapping and underlapping roles on the left flank.
UDINE, ITALY - OCTOBER 14: Federico Dimarco of Italy during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2 match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2024 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images
However, even then, Inter made it clear they had no intention of parting with Dimarco.
A product of their youth system, Dimarco’s performances under Simone Inzaghi steadily cemented his place as one of Europe’s most consistent and dynamic left-backs. His contributions in Inter’s domestic and European campaigns made him indispensable, and any attempts from Arsenal to unsettle him were met with resistance.
The Gunners’ interest reportedly reignited during the summer transfer window of 2024, as Arteta sought reinforcements following injuries to key players like Jurrien Timber and then, as the season got under way, to Riccardo Calafiori. Dimarco, who had become one of Inter’s most recognisable and dependable players, was seen as an ideal candidate to address Arsenal’s tactical imbalance.
Yet, much like before, both the player and Inter were unequivocal in their stance. Dimarco’s loyalty to his club and the stability offered by Inter’s project under the ownership of the Oaktree fund made any transfer impossible.
MILAN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 26: Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale shows appreciation to the fans at full-time following the team's victory in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between FC Internazionale Milano and RB Leipzig at Stadio San Siro on November 26, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images
Inter’s long-term vision has been instrumental in retaining their core players. Alongside Dimarco, stars such as Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella have renewed their contracts, forming the backbone of a team designed for sustained success. Dimarco’s decision to remain at Inter reflects not only his own ambitions but also the environment fostered at the club, where leadership, team cohesion, and a sense of belonging are paramount.
For Arsenal, missing out on Dimarco underscores the challenges of attracting established players who are deeply embedded in successful systems. While the Premier League’s financial allure is undeniable, players like Dimarco prioritise continuity, loyalty, and the promise of winning honours within an environment they trust.
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