Arsenal make £17m bid for forward who models his game on Kaka

Arsenal have reportedly tabled an offer for Joaquin Correa, according to Il Messaggero.

The Gunners are in the process of taking stock in wake of a dismal 2020-21 campaign.

Arsenal went into last season with the FA Cup and Community Shield to their name.

The north Londoners also made several top signings, such as Thomas Partey and Gabriel Magalhaes.

In addition, Hale End graduates Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe cemented first-team places.

But despite all this, plus Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s contract extension, Arsenal couldn’t even land a European place.

The Gunners could potentially strengthen their front line, which flattered to deceive last season.

Aubameyang was far from his best, Nicolas Pepe remains inconsistent, Willian struggled, and Alexandre Lacazette’s contract runs out next year.

And according to the Italian outlet, Arsenal are looking at Lazio’s Argentine forward as a potential recruit.

The Gunners have apparently made an offer of 20m euro, or around £17million.

However, Lazio are reportedly looking for double that.

And new manager Maurizio Sarri apparently wants to hold fire and have a proper look at Correa first.

Inspired by Kaka

Correa came through the ranks at Estudiantes before joining Italy’s Sampdoria in January 2015.

Sevilla then bought him for around £16.3m in the summer of 2016.

Two years later, Correa then joined Lazio for around £13.8m, and has made 117 appearances for the Rome-based club.

He has scored 30 goals and registered 18 assists in light blue, and has won the Italian Cup and Italian Super Cup while at the Olimpico.

In 2019, Correa cited Brazil icon Kaka as his inspiration, in conversation with Il Quotidiano.

“I’ve always had a player of reference: Kaka,” he said.

“He wasn’t a striker but played further back and scored lots of goals.”

Correa is a versatile attacker of the highest calibre with plenty of great attributes.

He boasts impressive ball control, dribbling abilities, pace and agility.

At 26, Correa is very much in his prime, and if Lazio want to cash in on him, he’d be a great shout for Arsenal.