Arsenal are reportedly planning to make an audacious swoop to sign AC Milan defender Theo Hernandez, as per transfer journalist Graeme Bailey.
The 27-year-old has established himself as a talismanic figure for the Rossoneri over the years since joining from Real Madrid back in 2019, helping his side win the Scudetto a few years ago.
Now, reporting on TBR Football, Bailey has stated that Hernandez has entered the final 18 months of his existing contract at San Siro Stadium but the Italian giants have been struggling to persuade him to sign an extension.
Moreover, the player’s relationship with new manager, Paulo Fonseca has deteriorated in recent times – which has made the matter even more complicated.
Arsenal have been monitoring his current situation closely and have been kept informed constantly about the situation. So, they could make a concrete approach to sign him if an opportunity arises in January or next summer.
Hernandez to Arsenal
However, the journalist says that Bayern Munich have also expressed their interest in signing him as a potential replacement for Alphonso Davies – whose existing deal will expire next summer.
Moreover, Chelsea and Manchester City are also in this race. Therefore, Arsenal will have to overcome stiff competition to lure the France international to the Emirates Stadium.
Riccardo Calafiori has been Mikel Arteta’s first-choice left-back having joined the club from Bologna last summer. But, he has struggled with injury problems in recent times.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is also at the club but his frailties in defensive contributions forced Arteta to hire Calafiori and the Ukrainian might be sold next year if they sign a new left-sided defender. Myles Lewis-Skelly is another option Arteta has at his disposal but he is still very young and needs time to develop his career.
Hernandez is an experienced player and is an attack-minded fullback. He has been a key player for France in recent times and guided his country to reach the semi-final of the European Championship last summer.
The AC Milan star – valued at around £41m by Transfermarkt – is a top-class player and would be a great coup for Arsenal if they can eventually manage to secure his signature next year.