Owen Hargreaves Advocates for Arsenal to Pursue Nico Paz in Summer Transfer Window
Owen Hargreaves has publicly recommended that Arsenal should enhance their offensive capabilities during the upcoming summer transfer period, identifying former Real Madrid forward Nico Paz as a perfect acquisition for the Gunners. This advice comes as Arsenal maintains a significant lead in the Premier League, despite concerns over their scoring depth and reliance on set-pieces.
Arsenal's Current Position and Attacking Concerns
Under the management of Mikel Arteta, Arsenal has established a nine-point advantage at the summit of the Premier League, with only Viktor Gyokeres netting more than six goals in the competition. Critics, including Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, have pointed out the team's dependence on set-pieces, though this strategy could potentially secure Arsenal their first league title since 2004. The Gunners recently faced a setback with a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, but they remain poised for a remarkable season, targeting Premier League glory and deep runs in the Champions League and FA Cup.
Transfer Focus on Attacking Reinforcements
With meticulous planning at the club, attention is already shifting to the summer transfer window to bolster what is considered one of Europe's strongest squads. While Arsenal's defensive unit has been solid, conceding merely 22 goals in 31 league matches, several attacking positions are under scrutiny. Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard has suggested Arsenal acquire a new left-winger to replace Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, and many analysts advocate for signing another striker to support Gyokeres.
Hargreaves' Specific Recommendation: Nico Paz
Hargreaves concurs that Arsenal should prioritize attacking additions, specifically naming Nico Paz as an ideal target. The 21-year-old Argentine international, currently excelling under former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas at Italian club Como after joining from Real Madrid in 2024, is seen as a rising star. Real Madrid retains an option to re-sign Paz, but Hargreaves encourages Arsenal to make a move for the young talent, who is expected to feature in the upcoming World Cup and has also attracted interest from Chelsea.
In a statement on TNT Sports, Hargreaves remarked, 'There's a young lad at Como, Nico Paz. There's an option for him to go back to Real Madrid, but if I'm Arsenal... This kid – you'll see him at the World Cup. Mikel Arteta will already know that this boy will be a star, and if you don't ask you don't get. A player like that could suit Arsenal.'
Fabregas' High Praise for Nico Paz
Cesc Fabregas has consistently lauded Paz since his arrival at Como, highlighting his exceptional skills and potential. In November, Fabregas noted, 'Nico does incredible things. He is a footballer capable of pulling a trick out of his hat at any moment.' More recently, he added, 'He sees the goal, he is not afraid. Nico enjoys playing, he can play different roles, and he is a very complete player. I see a very, very big potential in him.'
Upcoming Fixtures and Broader Context
Arsenal is set to resume action after the international break with an FA Cup quarter-final clash against Championship side Southampton. As the transfer speculation intensifies, the club's strategic moves in the summer window will be crucial in sustaining their competitive edge and achieving long-term success.
