MOT View: Leeds handed blow as Arsenal open talks for Rodrigo De Paul

According to Calcio Pillole journalist Ekrim Konur, Arsenal have opened talks for Leeds United-linked midfielder Rodrigo De Paul.

The Whites have been linked with the Udinese midfielder since last summer with TuttoUdinese reporting this week that the Yorkshire club is still, to a degree, showing an interest.

However, despite his tweet saying he'd like to join Leeds, De Paul stayed put in Italy where he's had yet another unbelievable season and has now found himself subject to interest from some of Europe's top clubs.

Konur reports Arsenal opening talks in him, but there's also been credible interest in his services from Atletico Madrid. [Fabrizio Romano]

As of now, they're the two clubs likely to sign him, and Leeds are unlikely to reignite their interest in the player this summer.

Not likely to happen

With every news update, our chances of signing the Argentine keep reducing. Orta has done many things right here, but he's got to be regretting not signing De Paul when had the chance to.

He would've been a perfect fit in our midfield - playing as a free eight in front of Kalvin Phillips and alongside Mateusz Klich.

However, there are still reports linking us with a move to him, but Orta himself has cast major doubts about the Whites moving for him this summer.

On the Phil Hay Show, Orta said, it would be "difficult" to get the player over the line given the developments that have taken place since we last showed an interest in his services.

Udinese’s sporting director Pierpaolo Marino has previously called De Paul “a world-class player” [Sempre Inter], and given the kinds of performances he's put in recently, it's hard to argue against it.

He's undoubtedly set to be a success at his next club and we're gutted that we might never see him at Elland Road - at least not in a Leeds jersey.

In other Leeds United news, MOT View: Orta should sign Phillips-esque midfielder to help take Leeds to next level