Arsenal ‘approach’ Ryan Bertrand over transfer after Southampton talks collapse but face fight with AC Milan and Monaco
ARSENAL have approached Ryan Bertrand after his contract negotiations with Southampton crumbled, according to reports.
The ex-England left-back, 31, is out of contract this summer after six years on the south coast.
Bertrand is now set to quit St Mary’s for nothing after extension negotiations crumbled.
And Arsenal have now joined AC Milan and Monaco in pursuing a free transfer, according to Goal.
Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl all-but confirmed Bertrand would quit the club next month.
At the weekend, the Austrian said: “We are looking at other targets because the offer we have made has not been accepted from his side.
“When there is no solution for the future, we will have to look at other options in this position.”
Arsenal are set to axe SIX players this summer, including big names such as Hector Bellerin and Bernd Leno.
But they are also set to part with Sead Kolasinac for good, with the left-back currently on loan at Schalke.
And Mikel Arteta sees Bertrand as solid back-up for first-choice Kieran Tierney.
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In recent weeks, Arteta has been forced to play natural central midfielder Granit Xhaka and attack-minded Bukayo Saka at left-back.
And while Saka has shone in that position, the boss has made it clear he’d prefer the young England ace in attack.
Bringing in Bertrand on a free would leave Arteta’s proposed £60million war-chest open for other targets, such as right-back Max Aarons, centre-mid Eduardo Camavinga and goalkeeper Unai Simon.
However, the Gunners won’t have it all their own way, with European giants Monaco and Milan keen on Bertrand.
Manchester City have also expressed an interest as they look to boost their homegrown quota with a move for the ex-Chelsea full-back.
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