Arsenal have been one of the busiest clubs this transfer window as Unai Emery, who replaced Arsene Wenger at the Emirates, is now desperate to add some quality to the first team at the club. This has seen him linked with a host of exciting stars but one name he might now miss out on is Cristian Pavon.
Born and brought up in Cordoba, the 22-year old truly made a name for himself after joining Boca Juniors in 2014. He took his time to establish himself in the first team but in the last couple of seasons, has become a crucial part of the squad at Buenos Aires.
He broke into the Argentine national side just last year and travelled with the squad to Russia recently for the World Cup. He showed great maturity last season, registering six goals and 11 assists, in just 26 league starts in his country. He picked more assists than any other player in the league and is now regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the country.
A quick and strong winger, who can also play as a false-9 or an attacking midfielder, Pavon is a gifted footballer with great dribbling and understanding of the game. He can glide past opponents on the flank, has a decent cross in him and is also adept in retaining possession in the final third.
He loves to cut in from the flank and can test the keeper from long range but his strength lies in his confidence with the ball at his feet. He was the creator in chief for Boca Juniors last season, as he helped them to a league title and his progress has seen Arsenal and Barcelona register an interest in him.
He initially had a release clause of just €33m, which both clubs were ready to pay but Boca president Daniel Angelici has today revealed that the youngster has signed a new deal with the club this summer. His new contract also has a release clause, that is set at €50m, which also should not be a problem for Arsenal.
Reports suggest that the Argentine outfit want to keep Pavon till after the Copa Libertadores, where they face Libertad in the last 16. Pavon’s quality is undeniable, as Messi himself sung praises of him on international duty.
He does look ready for European football and Arsenal should not give up on this deal yet. They could be ready to pay up to €50m for his services this summer but even at that price, Pavon is a player with immense potential, who will surely justify his price tag in years to come.
