According to Caught Offside, Arsenal were keeping tabs on Paris Saint-Germain defender William Pacho during the 2-2 Ligue 1 draw against Lille last month.
The Gunners had a productive summer transfer window with five permanent signings. They bolstered their backline with Ezri Konsa and Piero Hincapie, who was signed permanently after a season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite this, the club continue to be linked with defenders and Caught Offside claim that Arsenal were closely monitoring Pacho during PSG’s recent 2-2 draw against Lille in Ligue 1.
However, the same outlet mention that a January exit is highly unlikely with Pacho having recently extended his contract until 2031.
Unlikely move
Pacho signed for Les Parisiens from Eintracht Frankfurt and has since developed into one of the world’s best left-footed centre-backs.
He had a superb passing accuracy of 95% in the French top-flight last season and also won 63% percent of his duels. The 24-year-old likewise impressed with his tackling and recovery pace.
Hence, he is a complete package as a central defender. Despite this, it is highly unlikely that any club will persuade PSG to part ways with him, given he has just committed his future until 2031.
Arsenal are also unlikely to pursue a deal for Pacho, given they have sufficient cover in the left centre-back position. Gabriel Magalhaes is an undisputed starter in the defensive role when fully fit.
Manager Mikel Arteta also has the option of playing Hincapie or Riccardo Calafiori, who are primarily left-footed central defenders, but have been operating as regular left-backs for the Gunners.
On top of this, Arteta could call upon Cristhian Mosquera for the position when fit. Hence, there appears no reason for the Gunners to explore a deal for Pacho in either January or next summer.
The Gunners may have sent scouts to watch PSG and Lille last month, but it was probably with the view to monitoring someone else.
As things stand, Arsenal’s main concern lies with the lack of depth in the left wing department. Christos Tzolis is the only specialist option, and a new solution could be sought at the turn of the year.
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