After a less than impressive campaign in the league, Arsenal have failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time under Arsene Wenger but that has not stopped the manager from trying to lure some of the best players to the club this summer. They may also lose some of their top players before the start of the next season and one player now linked with a move to the Emirates is Juventus star, Juan Cuadrado.
The Colombian international was on the books of Chelsea but spent the last couple of seasons on loan at Juventus, having failed to establish himself as a regular at the Stamford Bridge. However, he has been excellent in the Serie A, picking up two goals and six assists from 30 appearances in the recent season, most of which came from the bench.
The Italian Champions just purchased the 29-year old for around £17m but reports from the Sun claim that Arsenal has had a £17.6m bid rejected for the player recently. Juventus want £30m for the player and Arsenal seem desperate, but is he the right man for the Gunners?
Chilean international Alexis Sanchez was the best player for the club in the previous season but he has now rejected a new contract with the club and could be sold this summer. He will be a hard player to replace and Wenger wants the Colombian to take his place in the side next season.
Known for his pace and agility, Cuadrado is a hard working player, who loves to take on opponents with his mesmerising dribbling skills. Though not strong in the air, he has a deadly foot that can beat the best of the keepers while his passing is also up with the best. He can put in sumptuous crosses consistently while his strength and hold up play belong in the Premier League.
His stint with Chelsea did not yield a single goal in the league but that does not mean that he will not be a hit at Arsenal. He has gathered experience at the highest level and might be just the man Arsenal need to get back to their best. However, at 29, he though is a decent replacement for Sanchez, is not a smart one.
Wenger will now want to build for the future as he does not have the UCL to play for next season. He will need players who can help the club and his successor and Cuadrado does not fit the bill. His asking price of £30m will be negotiated and is not too high, however, it will be interesting to see if Wenger is happy to splash such cash on a 29-year old.
