Arsenal are reportedly tracking AS Roma defensive midfielder Leandro Paredes, who has shown some outstanding displays from the deeper midfield areas in Serie A this season. Wenger is apparently an admirer of the 22-year-old Argentine and is looking to bring him to Emirates.
Paredes impressed on a season-long loan at Empoli last term and has featured 16 times for Roma this season in all competition. He came up through the ranks of Boca Juniors before making a move to Chievo on loan. After a string of good performances there, he went on loan to Roma followed by Empoli until last season.
He has been a regular this season for Roma and has owned the deep-lying midfield area gradually, becoming their dead ball specialist.
Strengths
Paredes has a rare blend of offensive and defensive elements, which makes him so highly rated. He is 180cm tall and weighs 75kg, which makes him a decent choice in the anchorman position who can use his physique to hold on to the ball.
Although Paredes has scored no goals this season, he has created eight chances. He has completed 351 passes with a pass accuracy of 91%, of which 73% were forward passes. His technique on the ball looks solid and Arsenal are looking at a player similar to Santi Cazorla here.
His prowess from set pieces has garnered applauds from across the Europe. His passing and through balls are near perfect. Apart from that, his tackling contributions are also commendable and he also seems to block the ball well.
Weaknesses
Paredes might have the physique to cope with the animal hassle in the midfield of English top flight football, but he really lacks the aggression and stamina to persistent. The Premier League is not for the weak and with pressing prevailing, Paredes will have to be aggressive.
Opportunities
Although Arsenal have plenty of options in the defensive midfield, Paredes’ technique will surely give him an edge over most of them. Arsenal have hugely missed the services of Cazorla this season and having a player like Paredes means possessing a player who could relieve the team of pressure from a difficult situation by winning the ball and providing passes up front.
Threats
Arsenal have a plethora of options in the defensive and central midfield options in the likes of Granit Xhaka, Santi Cazorla, Francis Coquelin and Mohamed Elneny. Even Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey have often been deployed by Wenger in the deep midfield. Hence, Paredes will have to face tremendous competition to make it to the first team.
