The London clubs are interested in signing Cagliari star.
Image source: transfermarkt.com
According to a report from The Daily Express, Chelsea and Arsenal are interested in signing Cagliari midfielder as both the clubs are said to have held talks with his agent. The Uruguayan midfielder is also understood be on the wishlist of another London club West Ham United even though they had an offer worth £34m turned down by the Serie A club in January. The report also states that Nandez’s agent has contacted both Chelsea and Arsenal over a possible summer move, meaning that the possibilities are more for the Uruguayan to Cagliari after just one season.
Nandez joined Cagliari from Boca Juniors last summer and has made a certain impact in Serie A this season. Although The Islanders have endured a lacklustre season – currently 14th in the table – Nandez’s performances are worth noting. The 24-year-old has also shown his versatility to play anywhere across the midfield, but his preferred role is defensive mid. He has also added 2 goals and 3 assists to his name this season while becoming an indisputable starter for his side. Nandez has also been gracing the Uruguayan national team since 2014, earning 31 caps thus far.
While Chelsea are currently overflowing with midfielders – although they have sufficient funds to lure Nandez, it is Arsenal who should go for the Uruguayan. Furthermore, The Blues have recently turned their attention towards Hammers star Declan Rice, as they see him as a potential summer target, but Manchester City are also interested in Rice. Arsenal are currently devoid of players in the middle of the park and have identified Atletico midfielder Thomas Partey as the priority.
Nandez could be a great addition to the Gunners, and his reported £32m release also looks a reasonable one. The Uruguayan has bags of experience, and a leap to the Premier League wouldn’t be any harder for him. Although he is a defensive-minded player, more in the vein of Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaxa, Nandez doesn’t shy of contributing to the attack when needed. He is an excellent dribbler and a passer; averages a pass success percentage of around 80 while playing in an inferior side like Cagliari. He can also dictate play from the midfield or switch plays using the long-balls.
Neither his attacking nor defensive index looks as glamorous as many players in the Serie A this season. But Nandez has a tremendous work-rate and potential to succeed at a top club as he had already done with a bottom-tier club in Italy.
The Gunners has had a chaotic season in the Premier League this term, not qualifying for the Champions League. However, Mikel Arteta has shown much promise of late despite the lack of resources. Arsenal can still end the campaign on a high note as they will face Chelsea in the FA Cup final.
