TuttoMercatoWeb report that Diego Simeone is close to signing Udinese defender and Arsenal target Nahuel Molina to Atletico Madrid – in a player-plus-cash deal that will see Neuhen Perez move in the opposite direction.
Molina, 24, has sparkled for Udinese since joining the club in 2020 – becoming one of Serie A’s best right-backs, and shining for the Argentina national side. Playing 37 times last season, Molina even had a hand in 13 goals.
Scoring eight, he laid on five assists. With 16 caps for Argentina, he is also becoming a regular in Lionel Scaloni’s squad. The £25million-rated defender has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal in the last few weeks.
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However, it looks likely that Arsenal are now set to miss out with Simeone’s Atletico Madrid striking a deal. TMW say Atleti are closing in, with a deal ready and negotiations to advance in the next few days. Cash, plus defender Perez.
Simeone close to signing Arsenal target Molina in player-plus-cash deal
Do Arsenal need a right-back? They have Takehiro Tomiyasu, who on the whole, enjoyed a brilliant first season with Arsenal. Hector Bellerin has returned after a stunning loan spell with Real Betis.
He could be sold but the Spain international has been involved in Arsenal friendlies and might remain for another season. Cedric Soares is also on the books and is seemingly happy to act as back-up.
So, do Arsenal need Molina? Well, he is an improvement on what they have and would give Mikel Arteta the option of playing with wing-backs. But he is now about to join Atletico Madrid this summer.
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