Arsenal may launch a massive bid for a 26-year-old player whom Mikel Arteta is said to be extremely fond of.

Arsenal is reportedly preparing to make a massive offer to sign AC Milan and Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders next summer. The 26-year-old has drawn attention from several Premier League clubs, including Manchester City, Liverpool (whose manager Arne Slot previously worked with Reijnders at AZ Alkmaar), and Tottenham Hotspur, following strong performances in Serie A.

Since joining Milan in a €20.5m (£17m) move in 2023, Reijnders has contributed eight goals and seven assists in 65 appearances, with four goals and three assists from 15 games this season. The Netherlands international was also a scorer in Milan’s remarkable 3-1 victory over Champions League holders Real Madrid. His current contract with Milan runs for another four years.

Milan has reportedly set a £50m price tag on Reijnders, but Arsenal is undeterred, with Fichajes suggesting they are the latest club to express interest. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is said to be a fan of Reijnders’s technical skills and versatility, as he can play in multiple midfield roles. Arteta is reportedly “in love” with the midfielder and is willing to make a substantial financial effort to secure his signature next summer.

Arsenal is prepared to make a significant financial commitment for Reijnders, although Milan is unlikely to let him go easily. Reijnders is currently earning just over €40,000 (£33,200) a week at Milan, but he could receive a substantial pay rise should he move to the Premier League. Milan may also offer him a new deal with improved terms.

Reijnders’ potential arrival could replace two veteran midfielders at Arsenal. Jorginho and Thomas Partey are both in the final year of their contracts and can negotiate with foreign clubs in January. Jorginho has been linked with a move to Turkish club Besiktas but is expected to stay until the end of the season. Partey is likely to follow a similar approach, but with both players in their 30s, Arsenal may opt for a younger replacement in 2025. Despite their uncertain futures, both players performed well in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, with Partey scoring a brilliant goal.