Arsenal are reportedly ready to trigger the release clause of Getafe full-back Marc Cucurella. The Gunners could be forced to sign a new left-sided player with Bukayo Saka refusing to commit to a new deal as of yet. That could still change though and Mikel Arteta is hopeful that the young prodigy will stay at the Emirates Stadium.
Nonetheless, plans are already being drawn up for the summer window when the club are expected to bring several new faces through the door.
According to Spanish outlet COPE, Arsenal are just one of a number of clubs willing to pay the £21million (€25m) release clause of Cucurella.
That could leave the decision in the hands of the 21-year-old, who is on loan from Barcelona but that Getafe will sign for £5m (€6m) by exercising an option in his loan deal.
Arsenal face firm competition though with Tottenham also amongst the clubs willing to prise the young Spaniard away from La Liga.
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Cucurella is a player that Arteta has followed closely since his first coaching job with Manchester City.
In 2017, the current Premier League champions were keen on bringing him to the Etihad Stadium, but a move failed to materialise.
Getafe have been the surprise package in this season’s La Liga and are currently just outside the top four in fifth place.
The Madrid-based side beat Ajax 2-0 in the first-leg of their Europa League Round of 32 clash on Thursday.
Cucurella has been one of their standout performers this season and Barcelona know even though they do not want to keep him they can turnover significant profit.
Arsenal are hoping to tie up Saka to a new deal amid interest from Liverpool, but the 18-year-old has already said he is leaving talks to his representatives.
Arteta is hopeful the situation will get resolved sooner rather than later: “That is something the club has to get sorted.
“My priority is that he continues to play like he is doing and he keeps developing. He is always asking the right questions.
“He is a very brave guy. Every time he gets into the final third, he is trying to cause problems for the opponent. He deserves these chances, he is doing very well and that’s why he is in the team.
“He’s great for the club. If we can get players from the academy and give them real chances even when we have other people fit, it shows we believe in them. He’s responded well.”
