Arsenal in transfer fight with AC Milan over midfielder Marc Roca, 23, as Espanyol hold out for £35m fee
ARSENAL are in competition with AC Milan to sign Espanyol midfielder Marc Roca, according to reports.
The Gunners are thought to have been interested in the player for a number of weeks and have even made an offer.
Roca's deal in Catalonia runs until 2022 but he reportedly has a £35million release clause.
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Mikel Arteta's side are understood to have submitted an offer for the player to arrive in North London ahead of next season.
But further negotiations between the sides are unlikely to take place until the end of the campaign.
Stefano Pioli's Milan are hoping to swoop in and take advantage of the delay in proceedings.
The Rossoneri are gathering information on the holding midfielder with the view to potentially bringing the Spaniard to Serie A.
Roca attracted interest from German giants Bayern Munich last summer and the Bavarian club had an offer of £18m batted away by Espanyol.
The Spanish side are intent on holding out for the £35m in his release clause and are unlikely to settle for anything less.
Roca has started 24 games in LaLiga for Espanyol this season, winning 43 tackles and making 23 interceptions.
He has also notched two goals and one assist in the league and the impressive former Spain under-21 star is high in demand.
