Arsenal transfer blow as Italy midfielder agrees AC Milan deal

Arsenal have been handed a transfer blow after long-time target Riccardo Montolivo agreed a pre-contract deal to join AC Milan on a free transfer this summer.

Montolivo, who had been tracked by a host of Premier League sides including Arsenal over the last year, will join Milan on a four-year contract worth £2m a season.

The Fiorentina midfielder turned down several offers of a new contract at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in order to secure his path to the Serie A champions.

Milan’s acquisition of Montolivo places question marks over the long-term future of on-loan
Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani, who had been expected to make his move to the San Siro permanent this summer.