Arsenal are interested in Getafe left-back Mathias Olivera, with the Spanish club only keen on releasing the player if suitors pay up his release clause.
According to Tutto Mercato Web, Mathias Olivera is attracting plenty of interest from clubs across the continent, including Arsenal. Getafe are keen on selling the player only if suitors are willing to pay the €20 million release clause attached to his contract.
Marc Cucurella produced a fantastic first season in the Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion, earning the club’s Player of the Season award. The Spaniard joined in the summer of 2021 and has primarily played as a left wing-back, as Graham Potter later shifted him to a left centre-back position.
He has excelled in both roles and is now attracting a lot of interest ahead of the summer. Surprisingly, in the 2020/21 season, Cucurella did not play in those positions at his former side Getafe, with a player keeping the Spaniard in left midfield rather than in defence. This star is Mathias Olivera, with the Uruguayan enjoying another impressive season with the Spanish side.
Olivera has featured in 31 league games this season, scoring once and assisting three times. His solid performances at the back have gained plenty of attention from clubs across the continent, including the Premier League. His defensive solidity is considered an asset by these suitors, who include Napoli, Arsenal and Benfica.
Getafe have made it clear that they would entertain offers that match Olivera’s release clause of €20 million. The demand has reportedly seen Napoli and Benfica out of the race, leaving Arsenal the only viable competitor.
The Gunners are in the market for a new left-back after suffering in the latter part of the season. Kieran Tierney’s untimely knee injury rendered him out of contention for the business end of the campaign, which may have cost the team valuable points in their run-in for a top-four place.
Arsenal have somewhat relied upon the inexperienced Nuno Tavares to fill in, but the links to Aaron Hickey tell a different story about Mikel Arteta’s requirements. The Bologna star could be used on either flank due to his versatility, which leaves the club looking at a more defensive left-back in the window.
The chase for Olivera could materialise if Arsenal decide against signing Hickey, for whom they face plenty of competition from Premier League sides. From how things look, the Getafe star could be a backup option if they fail to land their priority target.
Getafe’s €20 million asking price may not represent a problem for Arsenal, who have reportedly agreed on a deal for Hickey for slightly more. The 24-year-old Uruguayan promises to become one of the top left-backs in La Liga, although he may take up an opportunity in the Premier League and follow in Cucurella’s footsteps if Arsenal step up their interest.
