Arsenal have been dealt a set-back in the pursuit of Cristian Pavon, following news that Boca Juniors have reportedly increased his release clause to £37m.
Reports earlier this summer suggested that the Gunners would be open to signing the 22-year-old, though no official bid has been submitted for the flying wide man.
The Mirror report that £11m has been added to his release clause by his club, who are looking to get prime money for their superstar.
The player was one of the few shining lights for Argentina in their disastrous World Cup and has attracted interest from a number of top European clubs.
Boca, sensing an opportunity to command a bigger fee, have offered him a bumper new deal that will see his release clause jump from £26m to £37m.
The same report claims that Barcelona are also interested in signing him, though the player will prefer to move to a team that will guarantee first team football. Pavon bears similar playing capabilities to former Arsenal player, Alexis Sanchez; although he’s a bit more likely to take on the full-back and offer width, rather than cut inside every time he receives the ball as the Chilean does.
In that sense, Pavon will offer something different to the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Alex Iwobi and Mesut Ozil, who all have inclination to operate in central areas. Given that we aren’t going to get much width on the left from full-back Nacho Monreal, who offers plenty of qualities but not necessarily pace, Pavon could be a vital component in our team.
Although Cordoba-born creator is adept at playing on both flanks, he can also play as a forward, having scored 17 times in 65 league matches for Boca since joining them from Talleres de Córdoba in 2014.
£37.5m is a lot of money for somebody yet to prove themselves at a club in Europe, but his talent suggests he could soon become a world beater; right now, he is exactly what we need.