Fabrizio Romano: Arsenal in talks with 27-year-old defender over transfer

Reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Arsenal are one of the clubs in the running to sign Layvin Kurzawa on a free transfer at the end of the season.

The French defender was on the Gunners’ radar during the January transfer window but The Athletic’s David Ornstein clarified that the club were only discussing the possibility of signing him on a pre-contract.

Kurzawa was thereafter linked with a possible move to Juventus in a swap deal involving Mattia De Sciglio but the move fell through before the transfer deadline.

In a report covered by Calciomercato, Romano has now revealed that the Bianconeri are unlikely to revive their interest in the left-back after seeing the progress of Luca Pellegrini, who is currently away on loan with Cagliari.

He added that the 27-year-old is now holding discussions with Arsenal and Valencia regarding a Bosman move when his contract expires during the summer.

Mikel Arteta presently has Sead Kolasinac and Kieran Tierney as the specialist left-back options while Bukayo Saka has been hugely impressive as the makeshift choice this term.

Both Kolasinac and Tierney have succumbed to untimely injuries during the current campaign and a future deal for Kurzawa could coincide with the departure of one of the duo.

Kolasinac may probably head through the exit door rather than Tierney, who should be offered time to prove himself, having only arrived at the club last summer.