Journalist Fabrizio Romano has played down rumours from Italy that Arsenal are lining up a bid for AC Milan defender Theo Hernandez.

It was reported that the Gunners may be prepared to offer one of their left-backs (either Kieran Tierney or Oleksandr Zinchenko) plus cash for the France international, who is valued at around €70m (£61m) to €80m (£70m) by his club. When asked if a transfer was possible, Romano replied by saying:

“Theo Hernandez is almost untouchable at this stage, Milan would not even consider €50m or €60m bids for him. Crucial player who could only leave for crazy money.”

From the sound of things, Romano doesn’t believe a move for Hernandez is in the works at the moment, and it would be a surprise if Arsenal were prepared to pay such a “crazy” figure, considering they are already well-stocked on the left-hand side of defence.

It is important to point out that Nuno Tavares will also return from his loan spell at Marseille this summer so it really isn’t an area of the pitch that needs strengthening.