Arsenal set for shock swoop for South American defender

According to new reports Arsenal are keen to add some steel to their backline in the upcoming transfer window.

The Gunners are believed to have identified a player who could fit into Mikel Arteta‘s plans very nicely.

Arsenal set for shock swoop for centre back

Arteta has put a lot of faith in Gabriel this season but has been reluctant to use Ben White at times.

Jurrien Timber’s injury at the start of the season exposed a lack of depth in quality at centre back for Arsenal.

There is a very strong suggestion that Arsenal’s number one transfer target will be a left-sided centre back.

Rumours about who Arsenal may buy in the summer have begun to get traction following a turbulent week in which they crashed out of the Champions League to Bayern Munich on Wednesday and lost 2-0 to Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium last Sunday.

Arsenal in for Willian Pancho

Ecuadorian outlet Bolavip, have claimed that Arsenal are mulling over a £38.5m move for Eintracht Frankfurt centre-back Willian Pacho in the summer. The 22-year-old has impressed in the Bundesliga this season and is considered to be a close match to what Arsenal are looking for in their summer dealings.

However, the source indicates that Frankfurt will demand a figure closer to £52 million, indicating a discrepancy in the two teams’ values. Additionally, Liverpool may up the price even more as they are also interested in the Ecuadorian.

Pacho, who is left-footed and at ease with the ball, may be starting for Arsenal in place of Gabriel in the upcoming campaign. With Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche highlighting his physical abilities in particular, he would undoubtedly fit nicely with Arteta’s emphasis on defensive stability.

“Willian is a very clever player, who listens well and is quick to implement what’s asked of him,” Krosche said.

“His speed and strength in the tackle are what make him stand out.” 

While Transfermarkt values Pacho at £27m, the statistical aggregators aren’t known for getting player values accurate to actual transfer fees.

Cash to splash

Due to Matteo Guendouzi’s sell-on clause, Arsenal will have an improved Financial Fair Play (FFP) standing going into the summer transfer window. 

In 2021, the midfield player signed with Marseille after leaving the Emirates Stadium. The French club had paid the Gunners about £730,000 a year for his loan services, and when the permanent transfer was finalised upon a year later, they received £9 million.

Guendouzi’s loan-to-buy clause at Lazio has kicked in which will net Arsenal 15% of the transfer fee.