Atlético Madrid youngster Javier Manquillo closes in on loan move to Arsenal

Arsenal are close to making their second signing of the summer with Atlético Madrid defender Javier Manquillo set to join on a season-long loan.

The Spanish right-back was set to move to French side Marseille on loan until the end of next season, having already agreed terms with the Ligue 1 side.

But a last-minute call from Arsenal’s chief transfer negotiator Richard Law has now changed Manquillo’s mind and blocked the potential move to France.

With Gunners boss Arsene Wenger already close to sealing the signing of Newcastle right-back Mathieu Debuchy, it’s expected that Manquillo will play understudy to the Frenchman next season with Carl Jenkinson going out on-loan.

Manquillo, 20, is considered one of the most promising defenders in La Liga and has amassed a wealth of international experience for the Spain under-21 side where won the Under-19 European Championship in 2012.

The loan deal will also included a buy-out option for Arsenal if the club want to purchase Manquillo at the end of his spell in north London.

Wenger’s side have already wrapped up the signing of Chile star Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona, with Debuchy and Manquillo now expected to follow in the coming days.