Arsenal are one transfer short this summer as the Gunners are already underway in their new Premier League season. Various sources have hinted that the Gunners are en route to their third signing somewhere in the closing stages of the season. And if recent reports are to be believed then the last player could be their long-term target Juan Cuadrado from Serie A giant Juventus.
The North London giants have brought in Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac from AS Lyon and FC Schalke so far and with Alexis Sanchez’s future still uncertain, a player in the wide position looks like an immediate priority. The Chilean has sat out the first two games of the season with an abdominal strain with many suggesting it as a trick to wait while a deal is finalized by his club.
Arsenal had started their season quite emphatically with a win over defending champions Chelsea in the FA Community Shield followed by a thrilling 4-3 victory over 2015-16 Premier League champions Leicester City. But they suffered a setback today with a familiar loss at Stoke City. While both their new arrivals have got their goals for the club in the first two games, there are still loopholes that need filling and Arsenal have very little time for it.
One of the necessary positions has also been the right back, where Hector Bellerin is pretty much having a home run with no one to give him competition. While Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has emerged as a suitable wing back option, his future at the Emirates seems to be uncertain too as he wants to play in the central midfield where manager Arsene Wenger is unlikely to prefer him.
Cuadrado is a utility player, whose playing style includes incessant runs and silky dribbles, and could be suitable for both the position up front as well as at the back. Pretty much like Sanchez and Chamberlain, Cuadrado isn’t the best player to win aerial duels but a strong winger with a deadly right foot. The Colombian international also possesses some impeccable passing ability.
He could be a major upgrade for Arsenal on the flanks owing to his magnificent crossing abilities and strong hold-up play. Although his previous stint with Chelsea didn’t end quite well following his heroics in national colours at the 2014 World Cup, as he could manage just one assist in 13 appearances over two seasons.
Clearly, he wasn’t given enough first team chances as he raised a storm for Juventus as soon as he moved on a loan deal. Two successful seasons and the player has scored eight goals and 18 assists in 86 games mostly playing the wing back’s role.
