Arsenal look set to battle Juventus for Fiorentina wide man Juan Cuadrado before this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.
Currently the 25-year-old Colombian is jointly owned by Fiorentina and Udinese with Italian website tuttomercatoweb saying that Fiorentina chief Andrea Della Valle has contacted Udinese’s Giampaolo Pozzo to try and begin talks over buying out their interest in the player valued at £12 million knowing that a bidding war come summer is a big possibility.
The Colombian could also be a Liverpool target as well being the perfect replacement for Glen Johnson with would then allow Jon Flanagan to be Jose Enrique’s replacement on his preferred left side.
In times past Cuadrado would have been described as an out and out winger running the by-line and crossing into the box, but under Fiorentina trainer Vincenzo Montella’s 3-5-2 formation he is playing more as a wingback who is called upon to track back and help in defence.
Playing this role has not hampered his ability to take on players going forward where his skill and wizardry has left opponents wondering what had just happened to them as he flew by.
His shot taking leaves something to be desired as he tends to be a bit wayward when aiming for the goal but it is his opening up of space for others that is the selling point.
Recently in Italy there has been controversy of him being sent off for two diving infractions in a match against Napoli but it was only the second red card he has ever received so should not pose a problem for a potential suitor who would be looking to get a deal done early if fear of him having an explosive summer in Brazil and Fiorentina upping their valuation.
Have a look at the video and you will see why there is so much interest in him.
