According to Solo La Lazio, as cited by Football.London, Arsenal have expressed interest in Joaquin Correa. The Lazio attacker has emerged as a potential option for the Premier League giants, with Mikel Arteta determined to bolster his ranks. Arsenal, though, are only willing to splash €20 million, which falls way short of Lazio’s €35 million demands for Correa.
Joaquin Correa’s Success At Lazio
Since his €16 million move from Sevilla in 2018, Joaquin Correa has established himself as one of the finest attackers at Lazio. Under the leadership of Simone Inzaghi, the attacker has consistently improved himself each season, becoming a lethal weapon up front.
During his ongoing three year spell at the club, Correa has featured in 117 competitive matches, scoring 30 goals and registering 18 assists. 19 of his total goal involvements have come in the recently concluded 2020/21 campaign, with the Argentine playing a critical role in helping Lazio secure qualification for the UEFA Europa League.
A secondary striker by trade, Correa is a versatile attacker who can play almost anywhere in the final third. He usually starts in behind Ciro Immobile at Lazio, providing support for the Italian international in the second line of press.
The 26-year-old’s dynamic presence in the final third aids Immobile, especially when it comes to finding spaces in front of the opposition goal. He is also quite dangerous on the counter, while his versatility makes him a useful attacking asset for any coach in the world.
Should Arsenal Invest In Correa?
Arsenal have struggled a lot with their productivity this past season. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s struggles in front of goal have seen the club fail to secure European football for the first time in 25 years.
What the Gunners truly lack, however, is the presence of a supporting figure, alongside the main attacker. Correa can fill that up perfectly, as he doesn’t only have the creativity but also the dynamism to cause all kinds of problems for the opposition defence.
In addition to his qualities up front, Correa’s versatility should also make him an ideal alternative to natural wingers like Bukayo Saka, Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel Martinelli. The Argentine can even be deployed in the number nine role if required.
Unfortunately for Arsenal, though, an asking fee of €35 million might be a bit too much at a time when the club is suffering from financial difficulties brought about by the pandemic. While Joaquin Correa is undoubtedly a unique option for Arteta, it would perhaps be wiser for the Spaniard to splash the cash on a more natural playmaker who can replace Martin Odegaard next season.
