Gunners had been hoping to bring the Spaniard to the Emirates on a free this summer.
Arsenal have been hit by the news that long-term defensive target Fernando Amorebieta could be set for an end-of-season move from Athletic Bilbao to Serie A instead of north London, reports Skysports.com.
The Gunners are believed to have been keeping close tabs on the highly-rated centre back for some time now and were hoping to bring the 27-year-old to the Emirates this summer on a Bosman free transfer after the player’s contract discussions at the San Mames had recently broken down.
It is understood that Venezuela international has been unable to agree new deal with Bilbao and with his contract with the club expiring at the end of the season, his employers have now withdrawn their original offer, with the defender able to depart on a free as a result this summer.
However, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s hopes of signing Amorebieta appear to be over after the player’s representatives reportedly flew to Italy to open talks with AC Milan, Juventus and Inter Milan over a summer transfer for their client.
And, it is understood that Serie A champions Juventus are currently in pole position to land Amorebieta, who has made more than 250 appearances for Bilbao, after also signing his club-mate Fernando Llorente.
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