AC Milan have moved ahead of Arsenal in the race for Barcelona midfielder Rafinha, according to latest reports.

Arsenal have suffered a “blow” in their pursuit of Barcelona’s injury-prone midfielder Rafinha. That’s according to talkSPORT, who claim that AC Milan are now in pole position to sign the Brazilian. I imagine that wouldn’t be difficult, considering the Londoners don’t seem interested in Rafinha at all.

There have been links to Rafinha throughout the summer. He was first mentioned when Barcelona were trying to sign Hector Bellerin at the start of the summer. Reports back then were suggesting the midfielder would be offered as part-exchange.

When Arsenal refused to sell Bellerin, Rafinha was linked to the Gunners normally. The Brazilian has had an injury-hit couple of years at Barcelona and is far off their first-team. Despite that, there were reports of clubs being willing to spend £30m to sign him.

Arsenal were one of those clubs. We needed a midfielder and Barcelona just happened to be trying to get rid of one. It wasn’t just Rafinha, either. Arda Turan, Denis Suarez and Andre Gomes were also all linked with Arsenal at various points.

Even with no incomings imminent, I daresay this is one blow Arsenal wouldn’t mind taking.