The Hard Tackle recommends five players that Arsenal should keep watch during the upcoming Copa America 2024.
The transfer plans at Arsenal are yet to become clear as they iare mindful of the many leaks that have troubled them in the recent past. Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar are keeping their transfer targets close to their chest, and even the most reliable journalists have not managed to get definitive names.
There is speculation that the club is not eager to bring a host of names, as Arteta will prioritise possibly only three players ranging in different positions. Each of those roles is not a starting one, barring Maya’s central midfield berth, for which Amadou Onana remains their primary target as things stand.
However, the Spanish manager can look to add some exciting young stars as well as some names that would bring value to the squad and improve their depth options. Earlier, we looked at some players Arsenal could look at during the Euros; now, we present a few names they should keep a close eye on during the Copa America 2024.
Santiago Gimenez (Mexico)
The Mexican striker has dazzled in the Eredivisie over the last few seasons and remains a big target for a few of Arsenal’s rivals in the Premier League. His prolific performances may not see a repeat once he moves to England, but the consistency the striker has shown must get Arsenal’s interest. Meanwhile, he is also a target for Chelsea, Manchester United, and Barcelona.
Arteta continues to search for a new striker after missing out on aBenjamin Sesko, and Gimenez could be a target he might consider. The Mexican will not be as expensive as some of their other targets, and should the Gunners make an approach, it will be seen as a shrewd piece of business.
Should the Mexican perform well at the Copa, there will be more eyeballs and plenty of interest coming in from rivals, as the Gunners must position themselves well. However, Feyenoord’s asking price is also an important factor, although they must surely look at the possibility of signing the striker.
Sebastian Caceres (Uruguay)
One of the names come to the fore since the last few international breaks, particularly after Marcelo Beilsa’s arrival as Uruguay’s manager. Sebastian Caceres continues to play his trade in Mexico with Club America despite those many links and the chance to play in Europe.
He also signed a new deal until 2027 back in March of this year, but that will only have effect if some European or English clubs come into the picture. A fantastic defender by trade, Caceres has shown his ability to play in the most strenuous systems under Bielsa, and that is something that Arteta has valued in the past when it came to defenders. The signing of Ben White was a direct result of that.
Caceres could prove a solid name for the Gunners to consider, especially as they continue to find a suitable cover option for William Saliba at the heart of the defence. The Uruguayan will be one of the important names under Bielsa, who does have a few formidable names, including Jose Maria Gimenez and Ronald Araujo, ahead of Caceres. Still, the Club American man does have a big chance to be prominently featured at the Copa.
Valentin Carboni (Argentina)
The Inter Milan teenager has been a good value addition for the team, as they realised his talents during the loan spell at AC Monza in the last season. The winger is a surprise name on an otherwise familiar Argentine set-up for the Copa, but there is hope that the attacker will get his chance.
Players like Carboni may not get regular starts or even munites. But Lionel Scaloni might use him in games as a trump card of sorts, and this is where clubs must make the best out of watching him. Arsenal has been looking for young attacking talents who can bring a sense of versatility to the squad and showcase the promise of developing into a future star.
Inter Milan are keen on cashing in on the season Carboni has had, as they need to raise funds, which could bring a market opportunity for the likes of Arsenal and other interested teams. While he remains a big talent for the future, much will depend on the price tag the Italian side will want, although the attacking midfielder is a good player to watch.
Wendell (Brazil)
Arsenal have somewhat moved away from signing older players and have focused on bringing stars with an upside for the future. However, in recent windows, they have shown openness to signing players with experience that would add value to Arteta’s ideas.
Wendell is a player they can potentially look at to solve some problems in the left-back area. The Brazilian had featured on Arsenal’s radar, as Arteta will likely look to bring a new left-back in the close season and might view the experience of the FC Porto star as a big upside to his immediate plans.
Arsenal may have had a look at him when the two sides met in the Champions League last season, where FC Porto was defensively resolute over 180 minutes. They could have another opportunity to do so at the Copa America, should Wendell come through the ranks and get more minutes for the national side.
Kervin Andrade (Venezuela)
The Venezuelan teenager will have his shot at fame in the Copa America as he travels with the national team squad for the finals. He is not a player featured on too many radars of big clubs in recent times, but he could have a flurry of clubs showing an interest after a terrific tournament.
He plays his football under the shadow of many of his talented colleagues in the Brazilian Serie A, meaning there is a chance many clubs may still need to scout him in search of more prominent names at bigger clubs in that country.
Kervin Andrade has only come into the picture in the most recent international break and is not a shout-out to start games for Venezuela. However, he could have valuable minutes to show his talent and impress some onlookers, as Arsenal scouts will be among those watching most games closely.
