Arsenal are reportedly set to face competition from London rivals Tottenham and West Ham United for the transfer of Lazio forward Joaquin Correa.
According to a report from Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, Arsenal’s pursuit of Lazio forward Joaquin Correa just got a little difficult as they now have to battle fellow London clubs Tottenham and West Ham United for his transfer.
Correa started his professional career at Argentine giants Estudiantes before making his way to Europe in 2015, signing for Sampdoria. After eighteen months, the forward signed for La Liga giants Sevilla in the summer of 2016 before returning to Italy two years later with Lazio. Since signing for the Biancocelesti, the 26-year-old has racked up 117 appearances netting 30 goals and setting up 18 more.
A regular in attack alongside star goalscorer Ciro Immobile, Correa had a fairly productive 2020/21 season during which he produced a return of 11 goals and 6 assists from 38 games in all competitions, leading to a call-up to the Argentine national team for the Copa America 2021, where he featured in their first group game against Chile.
Correa might not be among the most prolific strikers around, but his all-round abilities make him a vital player for Lazio. And the 26-year-old is now attracting quite a bit of interest from the Premier League this summer, with Arsenal keen on securing his services. The Gunners are set to enter the market for a new forward, as both Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette enter the final year of their contracts.
The former, in particular, is likely to leave this summer, having already been offered to Leeds United. And with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang not in the best of form last season, bringing in another forward would be a prudent move. Correa, to that end, can be a handy signing considering that he can play in a multitude of positions in the final third, be it as a striker, an auxiliary forward, or out on the flanks.
However, Arsenal are now set to face competition for his services from London rivals Tottenham and West Ham United. For Tottenham, it is a summer of reckoning as they are staring at the prospect of losing star man Harry Kane. While Daniel Levy is expected to do everything in his power to keep hold of the 27-year-old, an exit remains a distinct possibility.
Even if he does stay, Tottenham can use added firepower in attack after Carlos Vinicius and Gareth Bale saw their loan deals expire. Correa, thus, can be a viable addition to the ranks at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
As for West Ham United, the 26-year-old can provide cover to Michail Antonio, who is the lone striker at David Moyes’ disposal, while also fill in the role that Jesse Lingard performed in the second half of the season, given as he is reportedly keen on staying at parent club Manchester United.
Lazio are yet undecided on Correa’s future and will wait for new manager Maurizio Sarri to assess him before taking a call. In case they do decide to sell, they will demand a fee of €40 million for the forward, which the London trio might not be willing to offer. It remains to be seen as to if any of Arsenal, Tottenham or West Ham do make a move for the 26-year-old.