Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Carlos Bacca and Pedro Neto
Arsenal are one of four clubs reportedly interested in AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca, with the Rossoneri keen to offload the prolific Colombian this summer.
A report from Italian source Tuttosport (h/t Edo Dalmonte of Calciomercato.com) named the Gunners, along with Premier League rivals Everton, Ligue 1 side Marseille and La Liga's Sevilla, as the main suitors for Bacca.
Significantly, the reports also noted how Bacca's preference is to return to former club Sevilla, with whom he twice won the UEFA Europa League. Yet Dalmonte pointed out how Sevilla have yet to bid, while an offer from Marseille also hasn't generated much movement.
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Dalmonte also cited a report by Le10 Sport which said Milan will sell if they receive an offer worth at least €20 million. Some may deem this too steep a price to pay for a striker now 30, but there are reasons to believe Bacca could be an asset for any big club in Europe.
The South American is a tireless runner off the ball and a ruthless and determined finisher. While he isn't the most polished striker from a technique standpoint, Bacca does what it takes to put the ball in the back of net. He has mastered a line in scrappy goals throughout a career defined by scoring in bunches.
Even in a supposed down season in Serie A, Bacca still netted 14 times for the Rossoneri including 13 in the league, per WhoScored.com. Those numbers are unlikely to appeal to Arsenal fans, though, as they wait anxiously for Wenger to secure a deal for a marquee striker this summer.
The Gunners boss is talking to Lyon about Alexandre Lacazette, according to James Olley of the London Evening Standard. Meanwhile, another report from Olley has revealed how AS Monaco's Kylian Mbappe remains Wenger's "preferred choice."
In this context, it's difficult to see where Bacca would fit at Arsenal. However, the veteran would represent useful cover for a new-look forward line.
Cover is something Arsenal may need with London rivals West Ham United ready to break their transfer record to sign Gunners target man Olivier Giroud, per Jeremy Wilson of the Daily Telegraph.
Bacca's pedigree in the Europa League should appeal to Wenger since his squad will be playing in Europe's second-tier club competition for the first time since 1999 next season. Signing Bacca would give Arsenal a more prolific alternative than Danny Welbeck and Lucas Perez.
Gunners Bid for Braga Wonderkid Rejected
Arsenal have reportedly had a bid for Braga prodigy Pedro Neto rejected. Portuguese publication A Bola (h/t James Benson of the Daily Star) reported "the Gunners have lodged a bid of around £13m (€15m) with Braga. However, that has been rejected and club chief Antonio Salvador is holding out for Neto’s £17.6m (€20m) release fee."
The reports also noted how La Liga giants Barcelona are in the frame for 17-year-old attacker Neto, with a bigger bid expected from the Camp Nou, according to A Bola.
Neto is a rapidly emerging talent, one who achieved a milestone last season, per Jan Hagen of Metro and Sport Witness:
Wenger's keenness to add a burgeoning young star to the ranks should come as no surprise. Putting his faith in youth has been one of the defining features of the Frenchman's managerial career.
Wenger has given chances to Hector Bellerin, Alex Iwobi and Rob Holding in recent seasons, proof of his continued belief in building through youth.
Ironically, Wenger could be set to see one of Arsenal's brightest young charges leave north London for Portugal. Precocious winger Chris Willock is expected to sign for Benfica on a free transfer, per the Daily Mirror's Matt Lawless.
Signing Neto would more than compensate for Willock's possible departure. He would join a batch of gifted youths waiting to be involved in Arsenal's first team next season, including Jeff Reine-Adelaide and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
The Gunners need the right blend of experience and youth to be successful next season. Bringing in a veteran with a proven track record like Bacca, alongside a precocious talent such as Neto, would help give Arsenal balance in the squad.
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