Don't Miss

Player confirms Arsenal interest as Emery eyes move for £18m South American star

By mac14 on June 6, 2019

According to The Sun, River Plate midfielder Exequiel Palacios has confirmed Arsenal are interested in signing him as Unai Emery eyes a move for the South American star this summer.

The boss needs to overhaul the squad over the next few months as we’re a million miles away from competing with the likes of Man City and Liverpool and a new central midfielder should be on the agenda.

Aaron Ramsey is off to Juventus while [exciting] reports suggest Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny could both be leaving this summer so Arsenal will need to sign at least one or two new midfielders.

Palacios has emerged as a potential target in recent weeks with reports suggesting Arsenal have identified the Argentinean international as a possible new recruit following his excellent displays for River Plate.

The 20-year-old was close to joining Real Madrid in January and The Sun says that proposed deal collapsed after Palacios picked up an unfortunate injury but it looks like Los Blancos are ready to renew their interest.

However, this time, the La Liga giants could face competition as Palacios has confirmed that Arsenal are also showing a keen interest in signing him and the youngster says he’s ‘proud’ to have caught the eye of such clubs.

When asked about the transfer rumours, Palacios is quoted by The Sun as saying:

“I’m proud clubs like Real Madrid and Arsenal are interested in me.”

The Sun says Palacios could be available for around £18m due to a release clause in his contract – although River Plate have been trying to tie him down to a new deal that would see that figure double.

Arsenal hoping to wrap-up deal for £30m attacker

Emery is working on a tight budget after Arsenal failed to qualify for the Champions League so £18m would be an appealing deal but obviously Madrid will be fierce competition for his signature.