Arsenal to open formal talks for Argentinean defender

Arsenal will reportedly open formal talks with Catania today over a potential deal for highly-rated full-back Gino Peruzzi, according to reports in the Metro.

The Gunners are in the market for another right-back to act as understudy to new signing Mathieu Debuchy and were strongly linked with a loan move for Javier Manquillo last week.

The report suggests the North London club will open negotiations with Italian side Catalan over a deal for their talented defender Peruzzi, with Wenger already making initial contact over a deal last week, but now Catania’s president has flown to London to formally discuss the transfer.

It further states that the youngster is wanted by Arsenal on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent deal in 12 months time. The Gunners are reportedly offering a £1 million loan fee, but the Serie A club are only interested in a cash sale at present.

The 22 year old has just come off the back of a fine season with Catania but is expected to leave the club after their relegation to Serie B. He already has 4 caps for Argentinean under his belt.

Peruzzi plays predominantly at right back, but can also play in midfield. He is an excellent marksman who reads the game very well and also uses his positional sense to compensate for his lack of acceleration. While equally capable of playing on the right of the midfield, it is his feisty tackling and breaking up of attacks that remain his strengths and thus his best role is as in defence as a wing-back.

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His discipline is something that can be worked on, as last year he picked up eight yellow cards and one red in just 20 Serie A starts. but his intelligent defensive play, good positioning and sheer grit makes him a promising talent.

While the signing of one right-back to replace Sagna in Debuchy is understandable, the arrival of another, younger full-back would raise questions over Carl Jenkinson’s long-term future at Arsenal.

Jenkinson isn’t quite ready to be a first team regular just yet but has the potential to be a top full-back. He needs regular playing time to develop his game. If we do bring in Peruzzi then we can send the Englishman out on loan and reassess the situation next summer.

Should we go Peruzzi? Share your thoughts in the comments below.