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Arsenal’s plans to sign left-back Ryan Bertrand appear likely to be scuppered by Leicester City, according to reports. The free agent’s negotiations with the FA Cup winners are ‘ongoing’ ahead of a summer move.
Bertrand is set to be released by Southampton in June after six years at the club.
The former England international made 240 appearances for the Saints and was a key member of Ralph Hassenhutl’s side this season. However, he will depart when his contract expires.
Bertrand played 29 times as Southampton finished 15th in the Premier League last season.
News of his departure left Arsenal on alert. Boss Mikel Arteta wants to add strength to his back line and faces an exodus when the transfer window reopens on June 9.
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Bertrand will leave Southampton following an impressive career on the South Coast.
He played in the Europa League under Ronald Koeman, before playing in a League Cup final and two FA Cup semi-finals, including the recent defeat to eventual champions Leicester.
His form also earned him 19 England caps.
“After many months of hard decision making, I have decided to leave Southampton Football Club,” Bertrand wrote in a message to Southampton supporters on Twitter on May 12.
“This has only been decided in the past 48 hours and comments that I had not accepted an offer previously are not true.
“I want to thank all the fans for welcoming me to this football club and supporting me endlessly. All the support staff behind the scenes, I thank you.
“It is a shame I cannot experience a full crowd at St Mary’s one more time. As this year has shown us, football is nothing without the fans.
“This has been a difficult decision for me, but the time has come for me to seek a new challenge and find a new home that allows me the freedom to play and maximise my contribution to the team.”
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