Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Manchester City are no longer interested in selling players to Arsenal amid the Gunners’ interests in Aymeric Laporte and Joao Cancelo.
Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko joined the North London club from Man City last summer, playing key roles as Mikel Arteta’s side gave Peg Guardiola’s men a run for their money.
Arsenal want to bolster their defence before the summer transfer window shuts, and with Jurrien Timber likely to be out of action for months following a knock he picked up at the weekend, the links to Cancelo have resurfaced.
The Gunners are still open to selling Kieran Tierney and will need to sign another full-back this summer if that happens.
Gabriel Magalhaes has also been linked with an exit after he was left out of the starting XI against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, and Arteta could be forced to bring in another centre-back should the Brazilian leave.
However, the Arsenal boss will need to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements as Man City are no longer keen on doing him any favours and strengthening his side.
“At the beginning of the market, they (Arsenal) looked at the possibility to bring in one more centre-back, a traditional centre-back,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
“A player they really appreciate is Aymeric Laporte. This is true, but from what I heard, Man City didn’t want to sell one more player to Arsenal, they prefer a different destination for Laporte.”
The Italian journalist also spoke about their plans with their new full-back injured.
“The knee injury for Jurrien Timber is a problem,” Romano said.
“Arsenal will explore the market, will discuss internally, Arteta will be involved in the conversations.
“Let’s see if Arsenal will return for Laporte or if they will go for a full-back to replace Timber.”
Man City narrowly pipped the Gunners to the Premier League title last term, and they will be wary about helping them anytime soon.
The Etihad Stadium club wanted to sign Declan Rice, but he opted to join Arsenal instead, and the former West Ham United midfielder could make a huge difference in the title race this term.
Laporte and Cancelo could both be sold, but Man City will prefer to do business with another club, and the Gunners may need to start looking elsewhere.
