What could Lazio forward Joaquin Correa bring to Arsenal's attack?
What could Lazio forward Joaquin Correa bring to Arsenal's attack?
By Oscar Maung-Haley
With two years left on his current deal, Lazio forward Joaquin Correa could be available for a cut-price fee this summer.
Arsenal, Spurs and West Ham are all reportedly interest him.
But should Arsenal go out of their way to sign the Argentine international?
Who is Joaquin Correa?
Hailing from Juan Bautista Alberdi in northern Argentina, Correa started his professional career with Estudiantes, making his debut in 2012 at just 17-years-old.
Fast forward two years later and Correa was on the move, signing for Sampdoria for an estimated fee of around £8.5m.
During his time at Samp, the Argentine made 31 appearances, scoring three times.
And two years later, Correa was on the move again, this time joining Sevilla for £11m.
At Sevilla, Correa featured regularly, playing 73 times for the Spanish side.
Given more game time, his numbers improved, with the forward netting 15 times during his stint in Spain.
His form for Sevilla prompted interest from Lazio, who signed him for £13m in 2018.
As one of their most consistent performers, Correa helped Lazio secure the Coppa Italia in 2019, scoring late on to wrap up a 2-0 win over Atalanta.
Correa has also become an increasing presence in the national squad too, making seven appearances, which he will be hoping to add to at this year’s Copa America.
What does Correa offer?
A versatile forward, Correa has featured extensively in a two-man attack during his time at Lazio.
Capable of playing as a 10 and off the left wing too, Correa usually plays as the deeper of two strikers in Simeone Inzaghi’s 3-5-2, linking the play while also providing the perfect foil for Italian hitman Ciro Immobile.
During his time in the Italian capital, he had scored 30 goals in 117 games, bagging 18 assists in the process.
At 6’2, he also offers an aerial presence too, although he is better known for keeping the ball on the floor.
Why might Correa be available?
In recent weeks, Serie A has undergone something of a managerial merry-go round.
When title winners Inter Milan parted ways with Antonio Conte, they appointed Lazio manager Inzaghi as his successor, partly due to their reliance upon a back three and wing-backs.
Maurizio Sarri is now the man in charge at Lazio and while Correa would likely still start for the Biancocelesti, there can be no guarantees if the former Chelsea boss opts to move away from two up top.
Additionally, now might be the best time for Lazio to cash in too.
And with COVID-19 forcing clubs around Europe to tighten their belts, coupled with the fact Correa has just two years left on his deal, now might be Lazio’s best time to recoup a significant fee for the Argentine international.
Where might he fit in at Arsenal?
For the majority of last season, Mikel Arteta opted for 4-2-3-1 formation.
If this was to continue, then Correa would likely have to move out-wide on the left or play in behind a central striker.
In a pinch, he could also be used as the lone man up-front, although his goal output is hardly prolific.
With Martin Odegaard’s return to Real Madrid looming, Correa’s best fit in Arteta’s preferred system would probably be as the number 10.
While it seems unlikely that Correa would start over a fully-fit Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the left, it is not out of the question either, given the latter’s form this season.
Verdict
Correa would provide the Gunners with a versatile option who can play in multiple different positions and systems.
He would no doubt improve Arsenal’s attacking options, especially with Odegaard’s loan set to expire.
Given the number of injuries their forwards and attacking midfielders have suffer this year, Correa would be a sensible, valuable signing for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
