Mikel Arteta wants Leandro Paredes at Arsenal next summer but will have to shell out €20 million for the Argentine midfielder.
According to Fichajes, Arsenal are interested in Leandro Paredes as the Argentine midfielder seems destined to leave Paris Saint-Germain in the summer window. Mikel Arteta wants to bring an experienced midfielder to the club next season and the PSG star’s name has been mentioned.
Arsenal have found it hard to play without the talent of Thomas Partey in recent weeks, losing back-to-back games since the midfielder was sidelined due to injury. The Ghanaian brings defensive assurance and ball progression on the pitch. However, there are visible fitness issues with the former Atletico Madrid man.
Partey has missed a chunk of games in the two seasons he has been at Arsenal and Arteta confirmed in a press conference that Partey might miss the rest of the campaign. Given his fragile fitness condition, Arsenal are expected to sign a new central midfielder with a defensive mindset in the summer and are linked with a few names.
The Gunners are battling Liverpool for Yves Bissouma, who has been a long-term target for the club. However, if the finances involved in bringing the Brighton star becomes an issue, then Arsenal might look at cheaper alternatives. In any case, Arteta wants the new midfielder to have experience in big competitions.
Hence they are chasing Leandro Paredes, who could leave Paris Saint-Germain in the summer. The Argentine is entering the final year of his deal after the current season. He has been left frustrated by lack of game-time, often finding himself on the bench.
There is no indication regarding a new contract, as PSG look forward to clearing out some of their existing players to refresh their options. Paredes has not been trusted a great deal this season by manager Mauricio Pochettino, and hence, a move away looks more likely than ever, with a valuation of €20 million mooted for the midfielder.
Arsenal may stumble upon the right player in Paredes, as he could be a financially viable alternative to other targets. Initially, there were reports the Gunners were looking for a new midfielder to replace Granit Xhaka. However, since the Swiss midfielder confirmed his intention to stay put until he wins something at the club, Paredes may come in to replace the likes of Mohamed Elneny in the squad.
Paredes brings experience and a winning mentality to the table, having won several trophies with PSG and Copa America 2021 with Argentina. Arsenal have been quoted €20 million for his signature, although owing to his contractual situation, the north Londoners may look to negotiate a lower price.
