Arsenal have not made any “concrete” attempt to sign Eintracht Frankfurt defender Willian Pacho, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Reports in the German media had suggested that the Gunners have added the Ecuadorian international to a shortlist of targets for the summer transfer window. However, writing in his Daily Briefing Substack column, Romano said:
“Despite links with Arsenal, I haven’t heard anything concrete on the Gunners following this talented young defender. He’s done very well for Eintracht Frankfurt and many clubs are scouting him, but there’s nothing more concrete than that happening for the moment.”
Pacho signed for Frankfurt from Royal Antwerp for €9m last summer but they could reportedly demand as much as €60m (£51m) for the centre-back at the end of the season.
What do fans need to know about Pacho?
The 22-year-old came through the same academy as Moises Caicedo at Independiente del Valle before making the move to Europe at the start of 2022.
Pacho is left-footed which means that Arsenal are likely considering him as cover for Gabriel, as well as potentially a replacement for Jakub Kiwior who has been playing most of his games as a fullback recently.
Will Arsenal have competition for the Ecuadorian’s signature?
It is believed that Liverpool are also keeping close tabs on Pacho, with the Reds said to be seeking a long-term successor for Virgil van Dijk.
With the defender’s contract running until 2028, it means that Frankfurt will be in no rush to lower their asking price for the player, especially if more than one Premier League club does make an approach.
Signing a centre-half won’t be high on Arsenal‘s list of priorities for the summer anyway, with a forward and a central midfielder expected to be top of the agenda.
