Arsenal transfer rumours: Emery’s exciting Spain international

Domestic action finds itself in a lull as international football takes centre stage, with that presenting a perfect opportunity for Arsenal to be linked with a host of players in the spotlight. Of course.

It’s inevitable. Even with the next transfer window not opening for another two months, this period of the year tends to be awash with rumours for what may come.

Centre-forward has been key among the speculation recently with Arsenal undoubtedly in need of a new frontman over the coming months: Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are both winding down their careers in north London, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang not getting any younger.

However, the latest dish served up on the rumour mill is regarding a right-winger, one who currently plies his trade under a familiar face.

Arsenal transfer rumours: Mikel Arteta looking at Unai Emery’s exciting Spain international Yeremi Pino from Villarreal

Over at Villarreal where Unai Emery takes charge there is an 18-year-old who caught the gaze of most of the football world as he made his Spain bow in their recent 2-1 win over Italy in the Nations League.

Able to play on either wing, Yeremi Pino has risen through the ranks at remarkable pace having only made his professional debut in Spain one year ago. Playing 36 times in all competitions last season he’s now a fully fledged regular for The Yellow Submarine, netting once in La Liga so far this term.

Fichajes state only that Arsenal and Leicester have been building regular reports on his progress for quite some time, being ‘very attentive’ to his development. There is no word of any bids, and it’s likely that he is just one of many players being looked at for the future.

Villarreal don’t have to sell and with Pino tied down until 2024, there is even room for another extension. Everything, from interest to contract situations, is likely only at the very early stages, if indeed valid at all.

Framed from another angle, however, is that Arsenal and Mikel Arteta could be looking at life after Nicolas Pepe. With only two years left on his deal come the end of the season, if a price can be agreed then it’s hard to imagine Arsenal not moving the Ivorian on. And, in that case, another winger will be needed, ideally one who can operate on both flanks like Pino.

What can be made of the rumours? Not a lot, in truth. It’s very possible that this is the usual case of a player in the headlines getting the speculative treatment in the mere hours that follow.

Certainly an exciting young prospect, though. Anyone playing for Spain at 18 years old has to be.