Arsenal transfer target Yeremi Pino is likely to cost more than £38m, despite reports...

What's the word?

That's according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, who delivered a fresh update on the Villarreal winger's future to GIVEMESPORT this week.

GOAL, who initially revealed the Gunners' interest, reported that the Yellow Submarines were prepared to sell the Spain international for around €45m (£38m), which is well below his €80m (£67m) release clause.

"As of now, we have to wait a bit, I think, to understand the situation of Yeremy Pino because he’s an important player for Villarreal," Romano said.

"I think the rumours of 35 million-40 million are not so correct. I think Villarreal will want way more than this to sell Yeremy Pino this summer."

Arsenal's next Alexis Sanchez?

That shouldn't put technical director Edu Gaspar and the club off, though, as the 19-year-old gem could well become their next Alexis Sanchez, a player that he has been likened to in the past.

The Chilean frontman was electric for the Gunners over his 166 appearances as he managed to score 80 goals, provide 45 assists and win two FA Cup trophies.

Sanchez was renowned for his relentless work-rate and ability to cut inside to cause havoc inside the penalty box and in many ways, this is exactly how Pino operates under former Arsenal boss Unai Emery at Villarreal.

Last season was something of a breakthrough for the teenager as he delivered seven goals and four assists across 40 appearances in all competitions and in the campaign before, he was part of the side that bested Manchester United in the Europa League final.

FBref compare Pino's statistical profile to that of current Gunners star Gabriel Martinelli, as well as West Ham United sensation Jarrod Bowen, and in many ways, the duo are like Sanchez too, given they are both a tireless and threatening presence in the final third.

In LaLiga last term, the 19-year-old prodigy ranked within the top 2% of fellow wingers for shots on target per 90, the top 9% for non-penalty expected goals per 90 and inside the top 4% for blocks per 90, also via FBref.

These returns merely highlight his ability to get in and around the box to be a threat, as well as showing his efforts to track back to help defensively and effectively defend from the front, too.

It's perhaps no surprise, therefore, to see the Yellow Submarines starlet lauded as a "special talent" by Romano and "incredible" by scout Jacek Kulig, who has also described him as an "inside-forward" with pace, dribbling and flair being key attributes.

Many years ago, Arsene Wenger snagged the diminutive Chilean from LaLiga giants FC Barcelona, so it could pay dividends to revisit the Spanish top-flight for a similar type of player this month.

As such, Edu and co must pay whatever it takes to sign the talented 5 foot 8 Spaniard as he could well deliver Arsenal their next Alexis Sanchez, going by the evidence above.

AND in other news, Forget Youri Tielemans: Arsenal must swoop for £4.5m "machine" who "resembles Paul Pogba"...