Arsenal are now showing interest in the transfer of Watford starlet Yaser Asprilla as Mikel Arteta seeks a new force in attack, so here is everything that you need to know.
The Gunners have plans to add something different to their attack this summer after a lack of unpredictability in the final third. Arteta wants Arsenal to add more depth and potentially some Bukayo Saka back-up in the quest for a Premier League title after the 2023/24 chase came up short.
Goals clearly weren’t the issue for Arsenal last time out, but in some games like Bayern Munich and Aston Villa, many fans felt as though they were too easy to defend and in need of something different. So, Yaser Asprilla could be a superb addition to Arsenal’s first team.
Racking up a club record 91 goals last time out is an impressive feat, but it was only Saka (16) who broke the 15-goal mark.
Disappointing campaigns from the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus have left many unsure where to go next in the final third, something that is going to have to be addressed if they are to reach the heights that Arteta has promised.
Arsenal are interested in Watford winger Yaser Asprilla
So, Arsenal are one of the Premier League clubs in pursuit of Asprilla as the board look to strengthen in wide positions in the transfer window. The wide midfielder was called up to Colombia’s squad for this summer’s Copa America and has impressed in recent seasons at Watford, clocking up 47 appearances with six goals and eight assists.
According to the Mirror (07/07, p72), Arsenal are on the list of clubs who have joined the race to sign the 20-year-old and make the short trip across to the Arsenal training ground, although other Premier League clubs such as Everton have also shown interest.
The £15m rated winger’s future remains up in the air with new Warford manager Tom Cleverley weighing up his options amid lots of interest, but his contract keeps him at the club until 2026.
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But who is Asprilla and why are Arsenal interested in his potential transfer from Watford this summer? Here is everything that you need to know about the winger on Arteta’s radar.
Who is Arsenal transfer target Yaser Asprilla?
Yaser Asprilla is a left-footed right winger currently playing for Championship side, Watford FC. He joined the Londoners as a youth product from Envigado for an estimated €3m (£2.5m) in 2022 after making his senior debut in late 2020 at the age of 17.
His deadly left-foot and impressive physical stature have led him to perform well in the middle too, a position that a lot of pundits see him moulding into as he matures.
Watford agreed to sign him in 2021 before allowing him to stay at his current club on loan to nurture his game. Colombia handed Asprilla his international debut against Venezuela in January and to date, he has made six appearances with two goals to his name.
Asprilla has also made his mark on the underage set-up in Colombia with three goals to his name in four appearances.
The 20-year-old has become a fan favourite with many comparing his move to that of Joao Pedro. Having largely played as a sub in his first season, he has now established himself as a consistent starter.
Even though Asprilla only joined Watford in 2022, he has already seen five managers sit in the hot seat at Vicarage Road. The winger has also become renowned for his incredible solo goal against Sheffield Wednesday last season.
How old is Yaser Asprilla? When was he born?
At the time of writing, Yaser Asprilla is 20 years old. The Watford winger was born on November 19, 2003 in Bajo Baudo in Colombia. Making his international debut at the age of 18, he became the fourth youngest player ever to appear on the Colombian national team.
What position does Yaser Asprilla play?
Asprilla plays predominantly in the position of right winger but is also capable of taking up an attacking midfield role behind the striker. His pace leads him to being more effective in his favoured spot out wide and it’s where Watford mainly use him.
How good is Yaser Asprilla? What has been said about him?
It remains to be seen if Yaser Asprilla will reach his ‘huge potential,’ but he has shown flashes of excellence at Vicarage Road ever since making the move with European giants Barcelona once linked.
Known for his close control and pace, there is definitely somewhat of a throwback winger in the Asprilla’s game and many of his Watford managers appreciated him, while others think he could be the real deal.
Speaking after his debut, former Watford and current Luton boss Rob Edwards heaped praise on the youngster’s attitude after a typically energetic performance via Watford Observer.
“I thought he showed great character, belief, really good bits of quality at times,” Edwards said. “I like that he almost plays with such freedom. He was a real plus and involved with the goal. He’s a brilliant young lad and we’re really excited about where he could go.”
After Asprilla made his full international debut, his coach in the youth ranks at Envigado, Alberto Suarez told Blu Radio what makes him so special.
“Yaser is a special player; we hadn’t seen players with Faustino Asprilla’s style for a while, since now they are more athletic and less skilful. He is a typical old-school player who knows how to play with his body. Against Honduras, he delighted us and made us proud because he showed what he always did at Envigado. Yaser will have football in him for a long time.”
“What makes him special? He plays while thinking. He doesn’t just play with his feet, but also with his body,” he said.
It’s difficult to grasp how high a ceiling the Colombian has, but with only just over a year of regular first-team football to his name, perhaps he will think carefully about his next move.
Watford winger Yaser Asprilla’s career stats
Arsenal are one of the clubs showing an interest in a transfer for Asprilla as he has moulded himself into an ideal low-risk addition to the final third. The winger’s efforts at Vicarage Road last campaign leave a blank canvas that looks set for more goals and Arteta could view him as somewhat of a project with his goal-scoring output improving.
Envigado: 40 games, 6 goals, 3 assists
Watford FC: 86 games, 7 goals, 10 assists
Colombia: 6 games, 2 goals, 0 assists
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