According to latest reports, Spanish club Atletico Madrid are set to complete a deal for Udinese defender Nahuel Molina, a key defensive target for Arsenal. This comes as a huge setback for the North London side who have been tracking the Argentine for a while and are currently in search of a right-back.

After completing five major signings in this transfer window, the Gunners have shifted their focus elsewhere as manager Mikel Arteta looks to plug all the gaps in his squad so that they can vie for a Champions League spot next season. It appears that this objective might have taken a hit as their long-term full-back target is now very close to joining another club.

Arsenal had registered interest in Udinese’s right-back/right wing-back, Nahuel Molina, almost 3 months ago, as reported by ArseDevils and a host of other sources. The rumours at the time suggested that the club wanted to bring the player to the Emirates in a swap deal with Pablo Mari who had already spent a season at the Italian club and was largely impressive. However, those rumours fell through and Mari never made the permanent switch to Udinese.

It was earlier reported by Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, personal terms between Nahuel Molina and Atletico Madrid have been finalised. The two clubs were discussing the payment terms and final details to seal the transfer. Meanwhile, Nehuen Perez will be moving to Udinese as part of the swap deal.

Atletico Madrid are closing on Nahuel Molina deal! Personal terms now fully agreed. Nehuen Pérez joins Udinese on permanent deal as part of the negotiation. 🚨🇦🇷 #Atleti

Udinese and Atletico now discussing final formula and payment terms. pic.twitter.com/NgVDWnqXaS

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 15, 2022

Now, as reported by Fabrizio Romano (via Football Espana), Atletico Madrid have almost secured the services of Nahuel Molina. The deal is in its final stages, a full agreement in place with the Serie A club and the final paperworks are being prepared. The 24-year-old will be unveiled by the Spanish club in the coming days.

The full-back is eager to work with the Atletico boss, Diego Simeone, and will be a valuable asset to the team. The Argentine arrived at Udinese in 2020 from Boca Juniors, managing to establish himself as a starter early on. He has racked up 10 goals and 10 assists in 68 games for the Italian side (stats via Transfermarkt)

Atletico Madrid have paperworks almost ready for Nahuel Molina deal with Udinese, while two contract extensions are now completed: both Jan Oblak and Thomas Lemar will sign new deal with Atleti. ⚪️🔴🤝 #Atleti

Molina will be unveiled as new signing in the next days.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 22, 2022

Operating in a back-five, Molina usually features as a right wing-back for Udinese, tucking into the right-back spot whenever the team switches to a back-four. The Argentine is best known for his forward-minded attacking output but is also solid in defence. His consistency at the club level has seen him earn 16 caps for Argentina, where he has registered two assists.

This comes as a big blow to Arsenal who have been pursuing the player for a while now. The Gunners would have been hoping to freshen up their fullback position which is currently occupied by a very defensive-minded Takehiro Tomiyasu, an ageing Cedric Soares, and raw talent in Nuno Tavares. Molina’s introduction would have provided Arteta with a different dimension when it comes to shaping his teams.

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But one could argue that signing Molina was really not necessary for the Gunners anyway. Although defensive-minded, Tomiyasu is in no way a bad player for Arsenal. In fact, he has already become quite indispensable for the Mikel Arteta’s side since he arrived at the club last summer.

Hector Bellerin has returned to the squad after a stunning season with Real Betis while Nuno Tavares is a solid young talent in need of polishing. Perhaps, signing the Argentinian defender would have been a little excessive when we consider the dearth of options the North London club have at their disposal.

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