Arsenal made enquiry for AC Milan midfielder Riccardo Montolivo in January

AC Milan’s Riccardo Montolivo

Riccardo Montolivo’s agent has claimed that Arsenal made an unsuccessful approach for the Italian midfielder in the January transfer window, as they made a desperate late search for midfield reinforcements, according toGoal.

With Theo Walcott ruled out for the season and Aaron Ramsey’s return from an ankle injury being delayed until March, manager Arsene Wenger went looking for midfielders to boost the Gunners’ title challenge, but came up short, only signing Kim Kallstrom on loan from Spartak Moscow.

Wenger has admitted that Kallstrom was a desperation move with the Swede ruled out for two months with a back injury, but it has emerged that other options were explored, with Montolivo one of the players approached about a move to the Emirates.

The Milan midfielder’s representative, Giovanni Branchini, told reporters, “Milan have had a difficult season so far and I think I can say that Riccardo Montolivo has been one of the brightest notes.

“He became a fixture of the Rossoneri and was even given the captain’s armband as proof. He is very happy with the club he belongs to and the club and fans are very happy with him.

“An extension? He has a contract until 2016, so it is not a priority to talk about an extension at this time. That’s a discussion we’ll have next year.

“Has there been interest from other clubs? There have been tentative enquiries from Atletico Madrid, (Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen) Klopp and Arsenal to name a few.

“All were try to ascertain whether the ‘path’ to Montolivo was feasible. At the moment, I feel it would be very difficult for the player to leave Milan, precisely because of what I said before.”

Riccardo Montolivo has created 31 chances for AC Milan this season, claiming four assists. Only Mesut Ozil (63) and Santi Cazorla (41) have created more for Arsenal.