Arsenal are serious about signing Boca Juniors’ Tomás Aranda this summer.
The 19-year-old came up through the ranks of the Argentine club’s youth system and made his way into first team earlier this year.
He made 21 appearances so far, managing a goal and two assists, and has still caught the attention of Arsenal and other clubs.
Aranda prefers to operate as an attacking midfielder while has mainly operated as a left winger this year.
His development saw him make debut for Argentina in a friendly win over Honduras in June. However, Lionel Scaloni didn’t include the youngster in his squad for the World Cup.
At the weekend, Sport Witness covered claims from Argentina the Gunners are keeping a close watch. The Premier League winners are taking a patient approach in their ongoing pursuit. Parma have also shown keen interest in him.
Arsenal interest is a concern for Parma
Parma Live now back up the Serie A side’s interest and shares a different take on the English champions.
Parma and Como have considered signing Tomás Aranda, who is one of the hottest South American talents.
Arsenal officials have been closely following him, and his ‘top-notch performances’ have convinced them.
In fact, Mikel Arteta’s side are ready to make an offer of over €20m to bring him to the Emirates.
Parma are well aware it’s difficult to compete with the north London club’s prestige and the financial power, so have to look elsewhere. In short, the Italian club are giving up on the Argentine.
Gunners willing to offer more than clause
Tomás Aranda has a contract until December 2029, and Transfermarkt value him at €9m.
The latest claims state he has a €17m release clause, with Argentina newspaper Clarín putting it at $20m [€17.5m].
Parma Live states Arsenal are ready to offer over €20m. This would only make sense if the Gunners want to spread the payment for a few years and also beat other suitors for his signature.
The other possibility is the Italian outlet may have mistakenly used euros instead of dollars.