Arsenal are attempting a late hijack of AC Milan’s move for Lille stopper Sven Botman, according to reports in Italy.
According to La Repubblica, AC Milan are now closing in on Botman, who is keen to join the Serie A champions.
But the report also claims Arsenal have made a late move, hoping to hijack the deal to improve their own defence.
Newcastle United are also said to be interested but, unlike Arsenal and Milan, they cannot offer the Dutchman, who has also been linked with Manchester United and Tottenham recently, any sort of European football.
Who is Sven Botman?
Botman, who is 22 years of age, joined French outfit Lille from Ajax in the summer of 2020.
The Ligue 1 side are understood to have paid around £7m to land Botman.
The stopper had little senior experience to his name before make the switch to Lille, having made his way through the youth ranks of the Dutch champions.
Despite his inexperience, though, Botman has taken to Ligue 1 like a duck to water, playing a key role in Lille’s success.
All told, Botman has made 79 appearances for Lille, including featuring in 37 of their 38 Ligue 1 games during 2020/21 when they won the league ahead of serial winners, PSG.
Botman has also earned several call-ups to the Dutch national side but is yet to feature for them. But that is not too surprising given the players he has to compete with in his position.
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