Brahim Diaz reacts to £25m Arsenal links after AC Milan masterclass

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Brahim Diaz is playing down talk of a Premier League return with Arsenal while insisting that he remains ‘happy’ at Champions League quarter-finalists AC Milan. 

Fabio Capello is not one who usually makes a habit of changing his mind. But the former England boss could hide his admiration for Brahim Diaz no longer after Milan’s Real Madrid loanee followed up his match-winning display against Tottenham Hotspur with another dazzling performance on the biggest of stages on Wednesday night. 

“I didn’t like him (before),” Capello tells Sky Italia following the Nerazzuri’s 1-0 Champions League quarter-final first leg victory over Serie A rivals Napoli.  

“He wasn’t for Milan. But he has matured physically and mentally. Before, he did little. Now, he does exactly the things that are needed.” 

Could Arsenal sign ex-Man City starlet Brahim Diaz?

Diaz’s future remains uncertain with his loan deal expiring at the end of this season. Reports say that Arsenal are willing to meet Real Madrid’s £25 million price-tag for a player Mikel Arteta knows from his time at Manchester City. 

But, after producing arguably the finest run of form of his senior career, the silky Spaniard is not ruling out an extended stay at San Siro. Whether that happens, however, depends on whether Milan can match Arsenal’s bid.

Some have suggested that the reigning Serie A champions are hoping to barter a lower fee; an approach which is unlikely to go down too well at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“I’m content and happy,” Diaz said when asked about his future. “But I’m happier for the team because we deserve this. I’m happy with what I’m doing. But there’s still a lot to do.” 

Arsenal appear to have made a new attacking midfielder one of their top priorities heading into the summer transfer window. Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga has a £33 million release clause in his contract. He is reportedly intrigued by the idea of joining Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and co at the Emirates Stadium. 

Talks are reportedly underway with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Jesper Lindstrom too. Julian Brandt, however, will not be on the move. The Germany international signed a new deal with Borussia Dortmund this week.