Monday, 5th August, 2013
CSKA Moscow could be looking to buy young in their attempt to replace Keisuke Honda, but face an uphill task in trying to tempt Giorgian de Arrascaeta away from fellow suitors Barcelona.
De Arrascaeta currently plays for Uruguayan top flight side Defensor SC, and according to Russian daily Izvestia, CSKA are ready to bid €4m for his services.
His talents were brought to the international fore this summer when he fired in two goals and made two assists in seven games at the Under-20 World Cup.
The 19-year-old midfielder has since gained enough attention for Barcelona to take notice, and Defensor president Daniel Habloku is well aware of the clubs in pursuit.
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"Leading clubs of Europe are interested in Arrascaeta’s services", Habloku told Izvestia. "It’s nice when Barcelona are interested in your talent.
"But to say that a player will play in Spain next season is premature. As for the interest from Russia, I am not prepared to comment on anything specific."
CSKA are facing a minor crisis in their attacking ranks, with injuries plus the departure of Vagner Love to Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng Taishan.
More importantly, perhaps, Honda is almost certainly leaving for AC Milan this summer, and it remains a question of just ironing out the final details.
It means CSKA are determined to recruit, and do so quickly, especially with the Champions League campaign in the new season and their status as defending league champions.
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