Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners Sign Attacking Midfielder

Ricky Alvarez: Replacement for Nasri/Fabregas?

According to reports, Arsenal have agreed upon a pre-contract with Ricardo Alvarez who plays as an attacking midfielder for the Argentinian Club – Velez.

The 23 year old’s contract runs out in June, which means Arsenal will be able to snap him up for free. His Italian passport means that he will not need a work permit, and will be able to join the Gunners immediately.

The 6 ft 2″ player has scored a mere 2 goals in 46 appearances for Velez, helping them win the Argentina First Division in 2009. This poor strike rate is further highlighted by the fact that he plays high up the pitch, sometimes doubling up as a second striker. The low number of appearances over 3 seasons at Velez (2008-2011) are due to the long term injury he sustained in 2008 – another ominous sign.

If goes through, this will be an unusual signing for Wenger, given that he is Argentinian – not a usual recruiting location for Arsenal in recent years. He is also 23, which is not too young by Arsenal standards. One suspects that he could be drafted into regular first team action straight away.

This move will raise speculation of the departure of at least one attacking midfielder from Arsenal. Arsenal fans wont mind if he is a replacement for Denilson, but if this unknown quantity turns out to be the replacement for either Nasri, Arshavin or Fabregas – gooners will be hugely underwhelmed.