Gunners’ Croat swoop rebuffed

DINAMO ZAGREB claim they have rejected an offer from Arsenal for prized assets Sime Vrsaljko and Mateo Kovacic.

Full-back Vrsaljko, 18, is considered one of the best defensive prospects in European football, while 16-year-old Kovacic is a highly-rated midfielder, and Dinamo have revealed that Arsenal sent a delegation to Croatia to try and do a deal for the pair earlier this month.

But club vice-president Zdvravko Mamic has stated that he has shunned a €20 million offer from Arsenal.

“Ten days ago we had an special visit in Zagreb,” Mamic said.

“There were people from Arsenal and they were ready to pay €20m for Vrsaljko and Kovacic. But they are to stay in Dinamo, Arsenal just wanted to buy them for the future. My answer was sharp, I said ‘no’ in one second.”

Meanwhile Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has joined Championship club Nottingham Forest on loan until January, the club have announced.

The 19-year-old, who recently made his long-awaited comeback after suffering a broken leg in February, successfully came through 45 minutes for the Gunners reserves against Wolves on Tuesday.

Arsenal confirmed the loan deal on their official website, revealing the reason behind the move is to allow Ramsey to “gain match fitness and sharpness”.