Arsenal could be forced to sign a left-sided midfielder/full-back in the summer, and the Gunners are reportedly tracking Getafe player Marc Cucurella.
The Barcelona player is currently on loan at Getafe, and he has impressed for the Primera Liga side, doing well as a winger as well as a left-back.
According to Gemma Santos of COPE, the Gunners could trigger Cucurella’s release clause in the summer, which currently stands at €25million.
Arsenal may have to sign him if teenager Bukayo Saka, whose contract is expiring at the end of next season, does not decide to sign a new deal with the north London club.
Getafe could sign Cucurella for around €6million come the end of the season as per the loan agreement. Tottenham are also reportedly interested in signing the 21-year-old Spaniard. Cucurella’s contract with Barca expires in 2021.
Marc Cucurella – What will he add to Arsenal?
Cucurella is a versatile player who can play as a wide midfielder as well as a left-back. The Spanish under-21 international is a hard-working player who contributes in attack and defence, working the line very well.
The 21-year old has averaged 2.1 tackles per game for Getafe in La Liga this season, and has shown that he can put a shift in the defensive side of things.
The Spaniard gets into good positions on the pitch, and reads the game well as a full-back and wide midfielder. He often puts his body on the line by making blocks, and tracks back to help his teammates in tough situations.
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Cucurella is also quick in attack, and is a good player to have on the break. His crossing is also pretty impressive.
The Spaniard could be a good signing for Arsenal with his versatility, dogged spirit, and determination. Losing Saka would be a big blow for the Gunners as he has shown great promise over the last few months, but the Gunners will have to a contingency plan in place if the 18-year-old decides to not renew his contract.
While Cucurella may not be able to usurp captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the left side of attack, he could certainly compete with Sead Kolasinac for the left-back slot. This move makes sense as Cucurella is just 21 years of age, has good pedigree, and potential.