Arsenal are reportedly preparing a lucrative contract offer for Paris Saint-Germain defender Willian Pacho as they continue their strong start to the season.
According to South American outlet BolaVIP, both Arsenal and Manchester City are considering a move for the Ecuador international and could offer him a “very lucrative” salary to tempt him to England.
Pacho’s weekly wage is reported to be around the £183,000-per-week mark, a figure that would push Arsenal towards the top of their wage structure.
BolaVIP suggests City could be more comfortable funding such a package, giving them an advantage in any potential pursuit of the 24-year-old defender.
Pacho only recently signed a new contract with PSG running until 2031, having joined the French club from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2024.
Since arriving in Paris, the Ecuadorian has become an important part of a PSG side that has won consecutive Champions League titles, making any deal extremely difficult to pursue.
The appeal of signing Pacho is straightforward, given that he is quick, powerful, composed on the ball and naturally left-footed.
Those qualities suit the way Arteta asks his defenders to hold a high line and begin attacks under pressure, making him an attractive profile for the Gunners.
Pacho, who featured at the World Cup this summer, would also link up with Ecuador teammate Piero Hincapié in north London if a move were to materialise.
However, Arsenal already have strong options at centre back, and PSG have no obvious reason to sell a regular starter who committed his future to the club only recently.
There is no suggestion in the report that Arsenal have begun negotiations ahead of January or next summer, and this looks more like an admiration than a firm pursuit.
Turning that admiration into a transfer would demand an enormous fee, a huge contract and a major change of heart from the player himself.
On the pitch, Arsenal head into the weekend looking to protect their perfect Premier League start, having collected nine points from nine after victories over Coventry City, Aston Villa and Chelsea.
Martin Ødegaard struck in the second half to secure a narrow Champions League win at Napoli on Wednesday, giving Arteta’s squad plenty of confidence heading into Saturday’s trip to Sunderland.