A large host of suitors from both England and Europe are tracking Cruz Azul winger Orbelin Pineda, with Arsenal among the firmly interested clubs.
According to 90min.com, the 24-year-old is wanted chiefly by London giants Arsenal and their arch-rivals Tottenham, with West Ham and Everton also among the Premier League sides exhibiting some interest in the player.
Pineda is no stranger to European interest. The winger has ‘long been seen as one of the brightest stars in Mexican football’, according to 90min.com, although he rejected the chance to move to Europe when Manchester City were pursuing his services in 2016. He later opted to swap Guadalajara for fellow Mexican side Cruz Azul in a deal which exceeded £10m.
On the continent, Porto, Monaco, Ajax and PSV Eindhoven are also reportedly keen on securing Pineda’s services at the expense of English clubs in the chase for his signature.
The Mexican is an experienced international for his country, with one goal in 21 senior appearances for El Tri.
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The 24-year-old Mexican winger boasts some promise, with eight goals and seven assists in 68 games for current club Cruz Azul.
That is not a fantastic return at a superficial level, but he has also stood out for his work rate and ability as a playmaker, according to 90min‘s report.
While not the tallest at just 1.69m, Pineda is noted for his nimbleness, agility and dribbling abilities. As a consequence, he could prove to be a powerful threat down the flanks if he joins Mikel Arteta’s squad.
With his contract due to expire next year, a move could well be on the cards – although it seems that the Gunners will have plenty of competition to fend off if they want to sign the 24-year-old who has played alongside ex-Arsenal talent Carlos Vela at international level.
