Arsenal have 'already contacted' to sign 23yo Spanish star, club stance revealed
Arsenal have already contacted Atletico Madrid regarding defender Marc Pubill, according to Sport.
The Gunners are in the transfer market for a new centre-back after an unfortunate back injury to William Saliba while playing for France at the World Cup.
Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa has been a prime target for the Gunners, but they have yet to meet the Villans’ valuation of £60 million for the 28-year-old.
In the last 24 hours, Pubill has emerged as an alternative to the Englishman.
Reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano recently confirmed that Arsenal are exploring a move for Pubill, and Sport have relayed the same story today.
The publication add that the Gunners have already contacted Atletico to begin negotiations, but the La Liga club have a clear-cut stance on Pubill.
Diego Simeone’s side won’t listen to offers for the versatile 23-year-old, who can operate as a central defender or on the right side of the backline.
Pubill has also never expressed his desire to leave, and he is very happy at Atletico.
Pubill would be a fabulous acquisition
The Spaniard joined Atletico from Almeria last summer. He was primarily a right-back for the La Liga 2 side but has largely featured as a central defender for Atletico.
Pubill made his first Champions League start in October last year. He had to wait until late November for his maiden La Liga start for the club, and has since gone from strength to strength.
The versatile ace became a pivotal figure under Simeone in the back end of last season, and he impressed against Arsenal in both legs of the Champions League quarter-final (2-1 agg loss).
Looking at his league stats, Pubill had a pass completion rate of 88 percent last term. He won almost 80 percent of his aerial duels (3.1 per game) with three recoveries and four clearances on average.
Pubill looks a perfect candidate to provide cover for Saliba at centre-back and for the injured Jurrien Timber at right-back. However, it quite clearly appears Atletico won’t entertain his summer exit.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
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