Arsenal are being linked with a move to sign Erick Pulgar from Bologna this summer, but should the Gunners firm up their interest and make a bid?
The tough-tackling defensive midfielder is currently away on international duty with Chile. He has represented his national team throughout Copa America and has impressed with some strong performances in the middle.
Pulgar had an equally impressive campaign in Serie A last term. He was a staple in the Bologna starting line-up, and his displays have earned him plenty of plaudits in recent months.
The 25-year-old is seemingly a man in demand this summer, and according to claims from Italian news outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, as cited by Calciomercato, his agent will hold talks with numerous clubs in the near future.
Among these sides are Arsenal, as per the report, but would Pulgar provide Unai Emery with an upgrade on his current midfield options?
The Gunners appear to be interested in adding further muscle to their squad this summer. Aaron Ramsey’s departure has left them somewhat short of variety in the middle, and while the Chilean is by no means an attack-minded player, he contributed with six goals and two assists in Serie A last season.
Matteo Guendouzi is likely to play a key role for Emery again during his second campaign in English football, but the respective futures of Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka remain uncertain, as a transfer window of upheaval continues to present itself at the Emirates Stadium.
Should Arsenal be keen to pursue a deal for Pulgar, however, they may need to move quickly. Big clubs from Italy and Spain are also keen on the 25-year-old, who is unlikely to stay put at Bologna this summer.
The report states that Inter Milan, Napoli, Roma and AC Milan have all expressed an interest in signing the midfielder. La Liga outfit Sevilla, too, are in the hunt for his signature, which can be obtained for only €12 million as a consequence of his extremely affordable release clause.
Pulgar may not be the marquee signing that Arsenal are crying out for; he is not a glamorous name, nor does he bolster a ‘problem position’, as such.
But to miss out on a player of his recent form and performances at both club and international level, for a price as cheap as €12 million, would be a missed opportunity for the Gunners this summer.
