According to Nil Sola, La Liga giants Girona have signed former Arsenal target Yaser Asprilla.
The 20-year-old was linked with a move to the Emirates in the early stages of the summer transfer window. The Gunners were looking for a strong competitor to Bukayo Saka.
Asprilla’s value has skyrocketed since moving to Watford from Envigado FC in 2022. He initially joined them on loan but was signed permanently due to his talented displays. He proved his worth by making 80 appearances in two seasons at Vicarage Road.
🚨Girona have closed the signing for promising 20 year old winger Yasper Asprilla from English side Watford. ✍️🇨🇴
He arrived in Spain this afternoon to do his medical tests. This will be a club record signing as it’s a package deal for €25 million. 🤝💰
[@Nilsola10, @PSierraR] pic.twitter.com/Xd855moKld
— LaLigaExtra (@LaLigaExtra) August 22, 2024
He registered six goals and dashed in seven assists last season, great numbers for a youngster plying his trade for the first time in the Championships.
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Arsenal were scouting the Colombian star for the past few months. However, Girona have come forward with an offer worth €24million (six-year contract).
Watford were happy to receive the fee and the player has now signed for the sister Manchester City club. The La Liga outfit wanted to replace Savinho, who moved to the Etihad this summer.
Yaser Asprilla snubs Arsenal for Girona move
Asprilla is a pacy winger with sharp dribbling movements. He does resemble Saka in many ways, and it was sensible for the Gooners to target the South American honcho.
But the right-winger wanted regular playing time at this stage of his career. At Estadi Montilivi, he will be guaranteed to play an important role for a team that has just started destroying Spanish clubs with their ruthless attacking performances.
This transfer won’t affect Mikel Arteta’s side much since he wasn’t their top priority. They will move on and focus their attention on their other preferences. They haven’t submitted a bid for any wingers as they are busy completing the Mikel Merino transfer from Real Sociedad.
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It remains to be seen whether they decide to throw a bid for a new attacker or stick with the risky move of letting Reiss Nelson take cover for Saka. The English star needs rest and hence, the manager should consider buying a player who can
