Shaka Hislop has backed an Arsenal move for 22-year-old Boca Juniors winger Cristian Pavon, after the Gunners were reported to have held talks with the Argentine international.

Recently a report claimed Arsenal head of football Raul Sanllehi has ‘already been in talks’ with Boca Juniors over the winger, and the Gunners still hold ‘strong interest’ in him.

Talking to ESPN about the humour, Hislop suggested it would be a good move by Unai Emery and the Arsenal transfer team. The former goalkeeper thinks Pavon would add something to their attack.

“[Pavon] was named in a decent Argentina squad,” Hislop pointed out. “Young, talented, fits the profile for Arsenal, whether Unai Emery is trying to change Arsenal or not.

“As I look at this, it makes sense because I feel that Aubameyang and Lacazette are building a good relationship up front, this gives them another option. They’ve got Welbeck there but you know his injuries.

“This gives them another option to maybe play three up front which a lot of clubs do nowadays. It makes sense.”

Pavon recently signed a new four-year deal to stay with his current side, but the club’s president confirmed the winger has a release clause that Arsenal or anyone else could activate.

“Pavón stays, he’s signed for four more years,” he revealed. “The clause is 50 million euros, which was what we wanted to be calm. We wanted to sell him when we know that it’s the right moment.”

The forward has the ability to play anywhere across the front line, if necessary. Just nine games into the season, he’s already played at left-wing, right-wing and in the centre, scoring three goals. His favoured position is on the right though, and that’s perfect for Arsenal, who need a natural right-winger.

Copa Libertadores distraction

In 2017/18 Pavon scored seven goals and assisted 19 in 32 appearances, but the highlight of the season was probably his Copa Libertadores game against Alianza Lima. He assisted four goals in the 5-0 win.

Boca Juniors are currently at the quarter final stage of that competition, as it’s played in a calendar year format, rather than August to May.

Reportedly that’s part of the reason he didn’t want to leave this summer. After reaching the knockout stages of the tournament he grew up watching, it’s understandable he wants to see it through to the end.

By January, when that motivation to stay is gone, it could be the perfect time for Arsenal to make a bid.