Juan Cuadrado is reportedly being targeted by Arsenal due to the uncertain futures of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.
According to a report by Transfer Market Web, Arsenal have placed a target sign upon Juventus winger Juan Cuadrado as uncertainty continues to shroud the futures of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil. The former Chelsea player was already approached by the North London side last summer but that did not yield positive results.
Juan Cuadrado struggled greatly during his spell with Chelsea and just could not make things work for him at Stamford Bridge. He was eventually loaned out by the Blues and played two seasons for Juventus before signing for the Italian champions permanently for £17 million.
Although Juventus were Italy’s strongest team last season by winning the Serie A title and coming close to winning the Champions League, Cuadrado’s performances did not seem all that appealing. Arsenal have also been linked with signing Thomas Lemar from AS Monaco, which could mean that Cuadrado is being targeted as an alternative.
Having said that, there is no doubting Cuadrado’s skills. He is technically sound and can out-dribble even the best of players, but he is not quite as creative at setting up opportunities and chances. In fact, his numbers aren’t that impressive and he is not the best when it comes to producing goals.
Another thing to consider is the fact that he is already 29 years old and his goal production rate has never reached the levels that Lemar’s already has. Cuadrado’s best year in terms of numbers was back in 2013/14 when he tallied 11 goals and five assists.
After a humiliating season last time, Wenger is aware of the amount of pressure on him to do better especially after signing a two-year extension. For that, he needs proven quality and while Cuadrado does have talent, he may not be the ideal option to fill the position that Arsenal desperately need at this point.
The fact that Arsenal are likely to lose Alexis Sanchez will definitely amp up the pressure on Wenger and signing a new winger will be top priority for the North London club. Come January, if Wenger receives the opportunity to sign Lemar, he should go for the Frenchman even though he will be a lot more expensive than Cuadrado.
