Arsenal’s bid for Atletico Madrid right-back Juanfran has been rejected. Arsenal manger, Arsene Wenger, targeted the 29-year-old last summer and made advanced enquires about the Spaniard to potentially replace Bacary Sagna’s spot. Sagna is currently in talks over a contract with Manchester City and is set to leave Arsenal on a free transfer.
Juanfran had a superb season with Atletico Madrid last season and was a major contributor to them winning the La Liga title and reaching the final of the Champions League.
Although a £9 million deal looks likely, Juanfran expressed his desire to stay with the Spanish Champions. Arsenal will keep looking.
According to some reports, Arsenal have also scouted Schalke’s Japanese right-back Atsuto Uchida. They have also reportedly been keeping a close eye on Toulouse defender Serge Aurier, but there have been reservations over whether he can firmly replace Sagna’s spot as first-choice right back. Aurier could now be the most likely deal to be completed. However, Wenger also has the choice of making Carl Jenkinson first choice.
By Ollie Carroll
Twitter: @OllieCarroll99
Instagram: @olliechelseafc
