Inter Milan ‘not looking for swap deals’ for Arsenal target Dumfries

Arsenal have reportedly been told they will need to spend big money if they want to sign Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries. The 26-year-old is rumoured to be a target for the Gunners following a series of impressive displays in Serie A and for the Netherlands at the World Cup, but they will have to dig out their chequebook with the Italian giants said to be uninterested in a proposed swap deal involving Takehiro Tomiyasu. 

Mikel Arteta is believed to be seeking reinforcements at right-back as he looks to maintain top spot in the Premier League. Ben White has made the position his own over the course of the campaign with Tomiyasu and Cedric Soares in reserve – but the 25-year-old has spent the majority of his career as a centre-back up to now and may see that as his position going forward. 

As a result, it is sensible for Arteta to consider his options, with Dumfries a target according to Italian media. The Dutchman is a solid presence defensively while he excels offensively, making him a solid option in both boxes. He enjoyed a good World Cup for the Netherlands before their quarter-final defeat to Argentina, scoring once and contributing two assists over the course of the tournament. 

There had been speculation that the Gunners would offer Tomiyasu plus some cash in a deal for the Inter star. However, it appears unlikely that any agreement will be forthcoming, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano insisting the Serie A side are uninterested in swaps. 

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“Denzel Dumfries. What a player he is,” he told the BBC following the defender’s man-of-the-match performance against the USA in the round of 16. “I just thought his whole game was brilliant.

“It was the timing of his runs… He didn’t sort of mix it up too much but when he did it was at the right moments. Down this right-hand side, he was just breathless.”

It remains to be seen if Dumfries will ever make the move to the Premier League despite the widely speculated interest in his signature, but it appears Arsenal are one of the underdogs in the race.