Arsenal remain keen on a long-term target after journalist Ryan Taylor dropped a fresh update on the situation...
What’s the word?
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the Express reporter revealed to fans that the Gunners remain interested in Villarreal winger Yeremy Pino despite making seemingly little progress over the summer.
The 19-year-old still has five years left on his £48k-per-week deal, however, this update suggests that despite his hefty €80m (£67m) release clause he may still be an option for Edu and Mikel Arteta.
"Another player that has been monitored is Yeremi Pino, but there’s nothing concrete. There are some suggestions that Arsenal have made a bid but that is definitely not the case.
“He’s been scouted and monitored and he’s very much on that radar at the moment. From what we understand Villarreal would be willing to pursue a sale for far less than his release clause.”
He could be Cazorla 2.0
The man who started his career with the Yellow Submarine only to re-join them after his stint at Arsenal, Santi Cazorla became something of a cult hero across his 180 appearances at the Emirates.
Revered for his flawless technical ability paired with an incredible work rate, the Spaniard typified the back end of Arsene Wenger’s managerial career, and Arteta could finally have found his replacement in Pino.
The teenager has featured an astounding 57 times in the league for Villarreal given his age, managing a respectable ten goals and five assists, most of which came last season.
It seems that he has finally started to combine the numbers with his effort levels after Scouted Football once dubbed him a “hard-working and selfless winger” but also “a sharp short passer”.
Cazorla was always lauded for his ability despite his diminutive 5 foot 5 frame, and in his 29 goals and 45 assists for Arsenal, he is outlined as someone who offered more to the team with his presence and work rate than his actual goal and assists output.
Pino could do similarly, with the “special talent” adding another hard-working player to Arteta’s ranks, making way for the reportedly outgoing Nicholas Pepe.
With the youngster having already been capped by Spain, he shows a maturity far beyond his years. Spanish football expert Alvaro Romeo actually claimed:
“He reminds me of [Santi] Cazorla.
"He’s fast, not very fast, but fast enough to play on the wing. He’s skilful, his ball control is very good, his passing is decent, and he must improve his crossing."
Whilst Romeo sees Pino’s future in midfield, Arteta will certainly be hoping to tempt his compatriot to consider his future at Arsenal as he fills the Cazorla role that has been vacant for all too long.