Arsenal open talks for ideal Rodrigo De Paul transfer

The main gripe those of an Arsenal affiliation will have had from last season was the lack of goals. Most of what the club failed to achieve has its roots the Gunners’ lack of attacking output, as witness by a paltry 55 goals in 38 Premier League outings.

Of all the solutions, the simplest one is acquiring players with an eye for goal. Whether that is sourcing the right partner for Thomas Partey or making a change at centre-forward, there are options.

It’s never that straightforward, however. Goal-shy Arsenal can be contributed to numerous factors, whether it’s the dependence on two young stars in Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka who’re yet to unlock that aspect of their games, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s numerous off-field issues, Willian playing for large stretches or various midfield duos that pose no attacking threat, there are reasons.

Equally, the approach to matches that has such emphasis on being in a shape that is proactive to overturns, the slow building through the thirds and general lack of quality in progression all played their part.

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Arsenal open talks for perfect Rodrigo De Paul transfer – and why Gunners should sign Argentine ace from Udinese in summer window

What is certain is that additions will be made and those have to be with an eye on adding goals from midfield. It’s not the only solution but with a vast turnover of players in that department, some of those who arrive need to boast a different dynamic.

Granit Xhaka is one of a few departures that opens the door for an alternative approach. Whether a like-for-like is acquired or Arsenal alternate to a 4-3-3, there is scope for change.

One such option is Udinese’s Rodrigo De Paul.

The Argentine is anything but a Xhaka replacement, and journalist Ekrem Konur has revealed talks have started between Arsenal and the Italian club over a potential summer switch.

Edu has a considerable amount of work to do over the window – when he returns from his holiday, of course – with a goalkeeper, right-back, left-back, centre-back, central midfielder and attacking midfielder all on the wishlist.

De Paul would fit into some those categories quite neatly. He was close to becoming a Premier League player just last year, with Leeds bidding for him and the player even tweeting he was on his way to Elland Road.

No move materialised and since then the 27-year-old has continued to be linked with most sides across the continent. Playing for a club that finished 14th in Serie A last season, it’s unlikely he’ll remain beyond the summer.

For what Arsenal need, and especially what Arteta wants, De Paul would be an ideal addition.

Continued…