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By Martin Graham | 23rd Jan 2023
Carlo Ancelotti has responded in expected fashion to the reports of Arsenal looking to sign Eduardo Camavinga on loan for the rest of the season.
Reports from England and Spain suggest that Mikel Arteta has earmarked the 20-year-old Frenchman as a good option to strengthen his midfield ahead of a very busy up oming schedule.
West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice is the Gunners’ reported first choice, but the club would prefer to take the young Frenchman on loan at the moment while they finalise plans for what could be a mega transfer battle for Rice in the summer.
Camavinga would come in to provide Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey with much-needed competition. His versatility could also see him and Granit Xhaka do battle and will also be an option for the left back role having played in that role for France at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
However, Ancelotti has stuck to his guns to firmly state that Camavinga is not for sale.
The Italian tactician had ruled out any January transfer window business for Real Madrid earlier, but he has a few unsatisfied players in the squad.
Camavinga is not one of the unhappy ones, at least, having earned the chance to participate in their season more often than he would have expected since joining in 2022. And with Ancelotti effectively ruling out a move for him, he should be enjoying more participation.
“We will not let Camavinga leave, he’s untouchable — like Modrić and Toni Kroos,” he said in a press conference.
Camavinga’s agent has also turned down the reports of the youngster leaving Real Madrid for any club at this point.
“There’s no truth (to the reports of Camavinga leaving). Of course every club in the world would want him, but he’s very happy in Real Madrid and Real Madrid are very happy with Camavinga,” his agent told Fabrizio Romano.
It remains to be seen what Arsenal’s next move will be as they look to win a first Premier League title since 2004.
Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer
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