AC Milan came in for Denis Suarez at the end of the January transfer window, hoping to take advantage of negotiations between Arsenal and Barcelona stalling, according to reports.

Italian outlet Calciomercato.it report that Milan had a ‘real chance’ to sign Suarez at the start of the window, but they ended up focusing on Gonzalo Higuain’s loan to Chelsea and their attempts to replace him.

Eventually, the Serie A side returned for the Barcelona midfielder in the final days of the January market. By that point, talks with Arsenal were advanced, with Calciomercato.it describing The Gunners’ pursuit of their target as ‘arrogant’. A deal to tempt Barcelona and Suarez away from North London would have cost too much, so Milan gave in.

SportItalia (via Football-Italia) report the same story, and add that Milan also tried to sign the 25-year-old in the summer. Like Arsenal, the Italian club wanted to sign Suarez on a loan with an option to buy, but they couldn’t agree on a fee with Barcelona.

Suarez ended up at Arsenal, but it’s a bit strange how many targets the club had in common with Milan. Towards the end of the window, the Italians reportedly made a move for Yannick Carrasco, and there were even rumours they tried to sign Christopher Nkunku as well.

It’s starting to be difficult not to feel like Milan Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis is trying to get one over on his former club!