Arsenal are set to launch a move for a new attacking midfielder, with an opening bid for Boca Juniors star Tomas Aranda now ready.
The Gunners are looking to reshuffle their attack this summer, with Besiktas recently striking a deal for Leandro Trossard, who picked up six goals and six assists after being utilised as a left-winger and in a more central role in the Premier League last season.
The north Londoners are pushing to sign Morgan Rogers as a replacement for Trossard, but it is proving to be difficult to tempt Aston Villa into a sale, as they are planning to hold out for £130m.
Gabriel Jesus’ future at the Emirates Stadium is also up in the air, with Everton recently holding talks regarding a deal for the Brazilian, which exacerbates the need for Mikel Arteta‘s side to strengthen in forward areas.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Jesus and Trossard played a more peripheral role for large parts of last season, but the duo still amassed 15 goal involvements between them in the Premier League. Consequently, it would be savvy to sign another attacker content with playing a more sporadic role. |
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Finances |
Aranda is still only 19-years-old, which indicates he may not be able to make an immediate impact. However, the Gunners are lining up an offer of over €20m (£17m), which suggests a deal could be relatively cheap. |
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Insight |
Former footballer Diego Soñora has described the starlet as the “Iniesta of Argentina”, but he is yet to make a real name for himself at senior level, featuring just 21 times for Boca Juniors. |
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Impact |
As such, the youngster may find it difficult to force his way into Arteta’s starting XI anytime soon and an initial loan move, in order to give him more of a taste of senior football, could be beneficial. |
How Arsenal are planning to win the race for Tomas Aranda
According to a report from Parma Live (via Sport Witness), Arsenal are now ready to make an offer in excess of £17m for Aranda, which has caused rival suitors Parma to pull out of the race for his signature.
Como, who are set to play Champions League football next season, are also keen on signing the teenager, but Gunners officials are now convinced he would be a good signing, and an opening bid could be made soon.
Why Tomas Aranda could become a future star
Soñora has certainly been left impressed by the Boca Juniors academy graduate, saying: “He’s fast, he’s good at dueling, he wins one-on-one duels, and he’s intelligent.”
The Argentinian’s ability to win duels suggests he is strong defensively, but his primary position is attacking midfielder, and he has one goal and two assists in 21 matches for Boca Juniors.
The one-cap Argentina international perhaps deserves more assists, given that he has created the second-highest number of big chances in the Boca Juniors squad in the 2026 Liga Profesional Clausura.
Tomas Aranda’s key statistics
- 763 minutes played
- 5 big chances created (2nd)
- 14 chances created (3rd)
- 2.7 successful dribbles per 90 (1st)
- 8.6 recoveries per 90 (1st)
Aranda is evidently a well-rounded player who could be a future star, but his lack of experience in a major league means he is unlikely to make an instant impact at Arsenal.
