According to a report, Arsenal are stepping up their pursuit of a midfielder who has piqued the interest of manager Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal will look to strengthen its midfield in the summer. By the start of next season, all four of their main defensive midfield options will be in their thirties. As a result, as useful as the majority of them have been, some new energy may be beneficial.
Recent reports have expressed growing optimism that Arsenal will win the race to sign West Ham captain Declan Rice. However, another option has recently emerged on Arsenal’s radar.
Arteta liked the look of Manuel Ugarte when Sporting CP knocked Arsenal out of the Europa League recently, according to O Jogo. In turn, he directed a scout to keep an eye on the Uruguay international in the next round against Juventus.
Ugarte played the entire 90-minute second leg, which ended in a 1-1 tie. Sporting’s participation in the competition has ended following a 1-0 defeat the week before (for which he was suspended following his late red card for two bookings against Arsenal).
Nonetheless, Ugarte has piqued the interest of several potential suitors. And, according to O Jogo, it is ‘practically inevitable’ that Sporting will have to sell him in the summer.
After all, the club from Lisbon is currently fourth in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. They would most likely have to raise funds through player sales if they did not qualify for the Champions League.
Ugarte, a ‘complete midfielder,’ has a €60 million release clause in his contract. As a result, Arsenal could sign him for up to £53.5 million, though there may be room for negotiation.
Arsenal has joined Tottenham in the pursuit of Ugarte.
Interestingly, Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham have been heavily linked with Ugarte, who played against them earlier this season in the Champions League.
Beating them to his signature could provide Arsenal with extra motivation to pursue the 22-year-old. But the most important consideration for them will be how he can help them strengthen their own team.
Arteta is said to have identified him as the type of midfielder he requires for next season, someone who can contribute both offensively and defensively.
The majority of Ugarte’s 42 appearances in all competitions this season have come as a holding midfielder. As a result, he has yet to contribute to a goal or assist. Regardless, there appears to be a belief that he can assist in the construction of attacks.
He may be able to express himself in the Premier League next season. Arsenal may be lagging behind Tottenham, but they appear to have the most recent interest.
It remains to be seen whether Ugarte would be a better option than Rice, or if they could look to add multiple midfielders to their squad.
Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey, Jorginho, and Mohamed Elneny are the current members of that department, with Albert Sambi Lokonga currently on loan.
