Arteta ‘in love’ with midfield star: ‘ASTRONOMICAL’ Arsenal offer rumoured

Robin Bairner

• 23 Nov 2024 12:35 GMT
• 8 min read

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is “in love” with AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, according to a report.

The Gunners are known to want to strengthen their midfield in the coming months, and while they are likely to prioritise deals that will see them secure a striker and wide attacker, Arteta also wants to strengthen the heart of his side.

Reijnders is a player that the Arsenal boss would love to sign, according to Fichajes, which reports that “everything indicates that the Gunners are willing to make a significant financial effort to secure his signing”.

Milan are unlikely to allow one of their key players to depart, particularly in January, although it is stated that there is the possibility of an “astronomical” offer that could tempt the San Siro side to sell. It is stressed, however, this is a transfer that might only happen next summer.

Current ETV

Tijjani Reijnders

M, DM (C)

Milan

Tijjani Reijnders

M, DM (C)

Milan

€23.3M

ETV Range

€17.5M - €29.2M

View full profile

What qualities would Reijnders give Arsenal?

The 26-year-old has been one of the leading midfielders in Serie A this season, data analytics experts SciSports reports. In particular, he has excelled with his finishing, passing and ability to win the ball to set up dangerous breaks.

In style he is comparable to Declan Rice, though is a more offensively focused player than the England midfielder.

Reijnders vs Serie A midfielders: 2024/25

Reijnders to Arsenal: Will it happen?

His Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) sits at €23.3 million, but if a deal was to be reached with Milan, Arsenal would likely be forced to pay substantially more than that figure.

It remains to be seen whether the Gunners are willing to spend big on a player who will already be 27 by the time the next season starts.

Arteta tends to favour younger players, and when he does sign those who are more experienced, they tend to have a Premier League background, which is something that the Netherlands star does not. Think Jorginho or Leandro Trossard.

On top of this, the player is happy in Milan.

Speaking last week, he told Sky Italia: “I see myself at Milan until I'm in my thirties. It's one of the most beautiful clubs in the world and it's an honour to play here.”

Reijnders to Arsenal, therefore, seems an unlikely deal but the ability of the AC Milan star to play in numerous positions across the centre of the park and fit into the Gunners style means that it’s not a move to be ruled out.