Arsenal have held talks with the agent of 22-year-old winger Cristian Pavon, according to reports in Argentina, but they face competition from London rival Chelsea.

Luis Fregossi, a journalist in Pavon’s home country, claims both clubs spoke to the player’s agent earlier this week.

Pavon is preparing to go to the World Cup, on the back of a fantastic season with Boca Juniors. He scored seven goals and assisted 17 in 31 matches, and clearly caught the attention of club’s across the ocean in Europe.

The Arsenal rumours started in the January window, with reports that the club were considering activating the player’s release clause. When asked about the reports, the player himself said he was considering a move.

Nothing came of it in the end, as the club signed Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang instead, but it wouldn’t surprise me to learn they’re still interested in a move.

Unfortunately, it seems like now Arsenal have Chelsea for competition. The longer they stall on an official bid, the more clubs I’d expect to come in for the player as well. Pavon is already earning praise from Lionel Messi, and if he carries his club form into the World Cup, his price could go through the roof in no time.

Arsenal need to move fast, something they rarely seem to have any interest in doing.