Arsenal blow as Bayern Munich close in on Noussair Mazraoui transfer from Ajax

ARSENAL have reportedly missed out on signing Ajax defender Noussair Mazraoui, according to reports.

The Gunners were said to be keen on bringing the 24-year-old Moroccan right-back to North London as competition for first choice star Takehiro Tomiyasu.

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But Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have stolen a march on the Premier League side for his signature.

Mazraoui, who has scored 10 goals and made nine assists in 135 games for the Dutch club, is available on a free transfer in the summer with his contract expiring.

That had also alerted Barcelona, who are looking to reshape their defence after a lacklustre campaign.

But Romano says it’s the Bavarians who have won the race, with a deal expected to be signed within the next few weeks.

Bayern “want the contract signed as soon as possible to avoid any potential proposal from other clubs”, Romano wrote on Twitter.

Mazraoui has been an integral part of Ajax’s success this season under Erik ten Hag.

He has aided the club’s quest for a Eredivisie title – and Ajax sit four points clear at the top.

They also reached the final of the Dutch Cup, although they lost to rivals PSV.

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Barcelona were said to be keen to add the full-back, despite boasting Dani Alves and Sergino Dest in their squad.

Meanwhile, Ajax could face an exodus of players leaving when ten Hag joins Man Utd in the summer.

Reports suggest the Dutch tactician, 52, will try to lure Brazilian winger Antony to Old Trafford with him.