Arsenal Transfer News: Andre Silva's Agent Reportedly Talks AC Milan Future

Andre Silva's agent has reportedly met with AC Milan to discuss his client's future in Serie A, amid rumours Arsenal are keen on signing the Portugal international striker.

Silva's agent, Jorge Mendes, met with Milan director Marco Fassone to talk about the player's role in the team, according to Calciomercato.com.

The report noted it's "no secret Arsenal are longtime admirers" of the attacker, while pointing out "Mendes is willing to offer his services to Premier League clubs at the end of the season, possibly after the World Cup."

Silva hasn't scored a league goal since joining the Rossoneri last summer, a far cry from his prolific form for Porto last season. The 22-year-old scored 20 times during his final campaign with the Blue and Whites but has only managed six goals in the UEFA Europa League for Milan.

Silva's form in Europe's second-tier competition ought to concern the Gunners, who have been drawn against the Rossoneri in the Europa League last 16. If Silva still figures in the plans of manager Gennaro Gattuso, he would pose a significant threat to a shaky Arsenal defence.

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Silva starting in the last 16 would also give him the chance to showcase his technique, pace and eye for goal. Those qualities, along with versatility, make him an appealing target for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Being able to play out wide, as well as through the middle, would surely help Silva's chances of making the grade should he move to north London. The Gunners already have prominent options for the centre-forward role in the form of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.

Both joined the club in big-money transfers, with Lacazette costing an initial £46.5 million back in July, while Aubameyang set the Gunners back £56 million during the winter window.

Arsenal also have Danny Welbeck in reserve, with Wenger recently talking up the 27-year-old's importance, per John Hutchinson of The Sun: "I like him [Welbeck] because he can play left, right or up front. For me he is a useful player, first of all because of his quality."

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Youngster Eddie Nketiah has also emerged this season, with the 18-year-old scoring twice to help beat Norwich City in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

Nketiah's development means Arsenal are well-stocked up front when everybody is fit, although Lacazette is recovering from knee surgery.

Even so, Wenger has enough strength in depth in attack to resist a move for Silva, despite the player being better than his form at Milan indicates.