According to various sources such as Daily Mail and Spanish journalist Kike Marin, Arsene Wenger’s newest defensive target is Espanyol center back Hector Moreno. Arsenal scout Brian McDermott attended Espanyol’s Copa del Rey tie against Valencia last Tuesday, in an effort to further analyze the Mexican defender.
Moreno starred at the World Cup last summer, acting as an integral part of Mexico’s run to the knockout stages. While the 26 year old has impressed many with his defensive prowess over the last few years, he’s been limited to only 5 starts for the Barcelona based club this season due to a leg injury.
Arsene Wenger has been linked with numerous defensive targets this January, however Moreno makes a lot of sense given the current situation. The Mexican would provide Arsenal with much needed defensive depth, most likely acting as a reliable presence off the bench.
Espanyol’s asking price is believed to be between £5m – £10m. Given Moreno’s impressive track record and Arsenal’s dire need of defenders, it seems like a shrewd investment for Arsene Wenger.
Update: Kike Marín – once editor of Madrid daily, MARCA – believes Hector Moreno is the alternative to Villarreal’s Gabriel Paulista, a link which has intensified over recent days. Kike confirmed via his Twitter account that Héctor Moreno, who’s been capped 57 times by Mexico, is aware of Arsenal’s interest and is keen on making the step up – but a deal may only materialise if Arsenal falter in their pursuit of Brazilian, Paulista, who’s valued at €20 million.
On Tuesday, Barcelona-based newspaper SPORT stated that Héctor Moreno had changed his agent to Mino Raiola, an agent famed for making transfers happen. Time will tell if his newly-appointed agent will pull the strings of Arsenal to hire Héctor.
