Arsenal could look to exploit one of their old connections to make a major summer signing
Mikel Arteta could hope to exploit is relationship with Cesc Fabregas to land one summer signing(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Hot on the heels of their Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester City, Arsenal have suffered another major blow. And it’s one that could threaten the club’s title prospects in any of their three remaining campaigns.
The Gunners are still shoo-ins to win a first Premier League in 22 years, while they’ll face Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday (April 4). That’s in addition to the upcoming Champions League quarter against Sporting CP, which gets underway only three days later.
But first, Mikel Arteta is hoping his troops can come through the international break as unscathed as possible. To that effect, his squad has already suffered a mighty blow as the end-of-season run-in edges closer.
It’s at this stage of the campaign that the wrong sequence of injuries or suspensions can drastically throw things off course. But it’s hardly all doom and gloom as Mirror Football investigates the latest headlines around the Emirates.
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Fabregas could assist Paz deal
In the interest of building upon what’s been a marvellous season so far, Arsenal would do well to get a head-start on their summer planning. And Owen Hargreaves has urged the north Londoners to take a look at Como’s Nico Paz.
A product of Real Madrid’s academy, the gem is now gleaming as one of the most crucial pieces in Cesc Fabregas‘ side. And Arteta may be wise to reach out to his compatriot in the hopes he can help cut him a deal.
Fabregas has led Como on a charge up the Serie A standings over the past couple of seasons and they now sit fourth, on the verge of qualifying for the Champions League. Paz, 21, has been integral to Como’s surge, contributing 10 goals and six assists in 29 league appearances.
“There’s a young lad at Como, Nico Paz,” said Hargreaves during a recent appearance on TNT Sports. “There’s an option for him to go back to Real Madrid, but if I’m Arsenal…
Cesc Fabregas could put a word in Nico Paz’s ear to aim him toward the Emirates(Image: Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
“This kid – you’ll see him at the World Cup. Mikel Arteta will already know that this boy will be a star and if you don’t ask you don’t get. A player like that could suit Arsenal.”
Born on the Canary Islands, Paz has opted to represent Argentina internationally and has seven caps under Lionel Scaloni. There’s a chance that spell in the global shop window will attract widespread interest, and Arsenal would be wise not to fall behind in the hunt.
Paz has sparkled playing as a No. 10 under Fabregas, who may be reluctant to help facilitate arguably his best player’s departure. That being said, Arteta may be willing to convince him a future in north London is what’s best for this stage of his career.
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Bleak England injury update
England’s latest medical update has potentially far-reaching implications for Arsenal and their season. That’s after Noni Madueke suffered a suffered an injury during Friday’s 1-1 friendly draw against Uruguay, while Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are also back at Colney.
“I’m worried, of course, because I think he was a difference-maker today,” said manager Thomas Tuchel of Madueke after Friday’s result. “He started well, he was full of energy, he was ready to go.
“And I think against a team like Uruguay, who relies on one-against-ones, to isolate them there and to go in one-against-ones from every minute out there, the spaces open up and he could have been a key player for us, which he is. Very sad and upset and hopefully it’s not a big injury.”
Noni Madueke faces an uncertain fate after he was hurt on England duty(Image: Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images)
The details concerning Madueke’s blow, which he suffered during Friday’s first half, are still coming to light. Neither Rice nor Saka featured against Uruguay but have nonetheless been sent home ahead of England’s second friendly against Japan on Tuesday.
This was likely a precaution planned in advance but does raise some slight alarm back in north London. Arsenal fans will hope the pair are still 100 per cent and were merely brought back because they’d played their roles but there’s arguably no other two players whose absences would have the same impact.
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