World Cup quarter-finalist and Colombian midfielder, Juan Cuadrado, has been attracting fans from all over Europe after his performances in Brazil have exceeded his country’s expectations.

London Calling

The Express claimed last week that Cuadrado’s agent, Alessandro Lucci, had planned a trip to London to thrash out a deal with Arsenal over Fiorentina’s star man.

However, with Mundo Deportivo reporting that Bayern Munich and Barcelona are in discussions with the player, as well as the English speculation over Liverpool and Manchester United’s interest, it looks as though Arsenal will have to spend over the odds to get their man.

Big Money Signing

Valued at approximately £24 million, Cuadrado’s goal and four assists in the tournament will do nothing but add to his bargaining power in obtaining a bumper contract at any Champions League club of his choice.

At 26-years old, Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger sees the potential world-class player that Cuadrado is about to become, therefore would be willing to spend a large proportion of his reported £100 million war chest on the Colombian.

Ball in their court

The player himself has remained coy in putting himself on the market, London 24 quoting him this week.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. My family and I are very happy in Florence.

“Right now I’m focused on the World Cup, after which the time will come to think about my future.”

On the reported valuation, he continued to say that, “It seemed incredible at first, but I’m very happy here. I haven’t changed my mind.”

Time will tell

It will be of great encouragement for Arsenal fans to know that the club is looking at players of the world beating quality of Juan Cuadrado.

Nevertheless, with footballing superpowers with an unlimited chequebook competing for his signature, it remains to be seen whether the lure of North London or working with Arsène Wenger will work in the club’s favour.

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