Torino are moving ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign Milan midfielder Giacomo Bonaventura on a free transfer, according to reports.

MILAN, ITALY - JANUARY 28: Giacomo Bonaventura (L) of AC Milan celebrates with his team-mate Krzysztof Piatek (R) after scoring the opening goal during the Coppa Italia Quarter Final match between AC Milan and Torino at San Siro on January 28, 2020 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY: Giacomo Bonaventura (L) of AC Milan celebrates with Krzysztof Piatek (R) after scoring on January 28, 2020. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Earlier this month, reports linked Arsenal with a move for 30-year-old AC Milan midfielder Bonaventura. The player is out of contract this summer, and he can play on the left or in the middle, two areas Arsenal could use some reinforcements.

However, TMW now claim the Gunners are losing ground in the race. Torino are pushing ahead with new contact with the player’s representatives. They plan to present an official contract offer to him soon.

Given he’s in the final months of his contract, Bonaventura is free to talk to Arsenal if they are after him. You don’t imagine he’s top of the list in terms of potential signings though, given his fairly underwhelming season.

Bonaventura made 19 appearances in all competitions before the league shutdown. He started 11 games and scored three goals. His total game-time was under 1,000 minutes.

It’s unlikely we see significant progress on a transfer before we know what’s happening with the Serie A season. If they restart, Bonaventura will probably extend his contract on a short-term basis to complete the campaign first.

After that, who knows, but right now an Arsenal move is unlikely.