Arsenal reportedly remain interested in Boca Juniors winger Cristian Pavon despite chasing other attacking targets.

There was much excitement from the press in Argentina about Arsenal’s interest in Pavon earlier this month. Since then, the link has gone cold, even though the 22-year-old seems to be considering his future.

“You always give your best so that others teams notice you. I said at one point that I was going to stay, but I still don’t know anything,” he said. “I prefer to play and not focus on this game. I’ll sit down and talk with my representatives and family and see what happens.” 

With Arsenal on the verge of signing of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and looking to bring in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, you have to wonder where Pavon could possibly fit in. Were he to join this month, he could take Theo Walcott’s place in the squad, but may struggle to start.

The issue there is that Walcott was so far down the pecking order he barely got a meaningful game and had to leave. A move in the summer would make far more sense.

Pavon plays predominantly on the right hand side but can play on the left, too. That would make him a good choice to replace the versatile Danny Welbeck, who will have a year remaining on his contract next season.

Welbeck gives his all for the team but lacks an end product, while Pavon is proving to be an effective player in the final third. In addition, there is continued uncertainty surrounding Mesut Ozil.

Pavon would not be a direct replacement for the German, but his departure would open up a spot in the attack, assuming Mkhitaryan took the central berth. The Argentine’s pace, ability to beat players and his threat from distance would offer something different to Arsenal.

In this sense, he is similar to Bordeaux’s Malcom, another reported Arsenal target. Arsenal’s interest in the Brazilian suggests they are looking at young attackers for the future. Pavon fits that profile, and has an affordable release clause reportedly set at £27m.

The rebuilding of our front-line has been a long time coming. Currently, we have a striker in his prime in Lacazette, and two very experienced playmakers in Ozil and Mkhitaryan. An exciting, pacey winger with his best years ahead of him could be the final piece of the puzzle.