Arsenal are reportedly interested in Olimpia midfielder Richard Sanchez and have sent scouts to monitor the performance of the Paraguayan.
According to The Sun, Arsenal are taking a keen interest in Paraguayan midfielder Richard Sanchez. The defensive midfielder, who currently plies his trade for Olimpia, is on the radar of the Premier League club, who have reportedly sent scouts to monitor the 21-year-old.
Born in Asuncion, Richard Sanchez has progressed through the academy ranks to finally make the senior grade for local side Olimpia, who are a renowned team in Paraguay. Richard has 4 appearances to his name – all of them coming in the Copa Libertadores – a Latin American competition a-la Champions League.
Richard Sanchez is predominantly a holding midfielder but can be deployed on the right wing as well. The 21-year-old has not played much senior football for Olimpia, but is already attracting interest from some of the bigger clubs in world football, with Arsenal interested in him.
At Arsenal, a summer rebuild is guaranteed, regardless of whether Arsene Wenger remains at the helm. One of the gray areas of the squad has been the absence of a defensive midfielder within their ranks. Mohamed Elneny did a decent job for a while, but Arsene Wenger’s preferred pairing of Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka has not been able to provide much assurance to the defence.
Arsenal have been linked to Leon Goretzka but suffered a setback, with the player agreeing a pre-contract with Bayern Munich to move on a free transfer. The Gunners have also been looking at Luka Modric but face stiff competition from Liverpool, Juventus and Tottenham in pursuit of the Croatian.
And even if they ended up signing Modric, the Real Madrid midfielder will not be able to fulfil the role and duties of a defensive midfielder.
Arsenal could be set to lose Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey both, with the duo being linked with moves to other Premier League clubs and perhaps, abroad as well. Thus, in general, the need for addition to the already available options in midfield is very much present and will accentuate in the summer.
While Richard Sanchez is unlikely to be an immediate starter, the 21-year-old can be a squad rotation option. Also, his arrival in Europe will not only equip him with much better facilities and coaching, but also provide him with the prospect of facing off against better opposition and thus, continuing to grow in the process.
Boca Juniors, though, could look to play spoilsport on Arsenal’s intent. The Argentine giants will be able to provide Richard with a better shot at first-team action while also enabling him to stay within the continent and near to his home.
For now, Arsenal have just sent scouts to check up and monitor the Olimpia midfielder. But, this will come as a huge validation for Sanchez, whose career seems to have just begun, with the player also being called up to the Paraguayan National Team for the upcoming international friendlies.
The upcoming friendlies will enable Arsenal and other clubs to take a better look at Richard Sanchez, if he does play. The 21-year-old could soon find himself being flooded with interest and perhaps, real offers on the table, if he manages to showcase his skills at the international level.
