Arsenal’s title hopes set for further boost with Quintero signing

Arsene Wenger looks set to add to the wealth of attacking talent already at his disposal by making a move for Colombian sensation Juan Fernando Quintero.

Reports surfaced from Colombia yesterday suggesting the Gunners have agreed a £15.8m fee with Porto with the 21-year-old set to fly to London to complete the transfer.

Diego Rueda, a leading Colombian journalist, is one of a number of various respected sources saying the attacking midfielder is heading to north London with media reports in Portugal also revealing a deal is close.

The FA Cup winners could announce the signing as soon as this weekend but the player’s agent moved quickly to quash the rumours of an immediate move to England.

“There are clubs interested, there is much interest in the player from clubs in Spain and England, but to leave would need one team willing to pay the termination clause to the club (Porto).”

Arsenal, who are 13/2 for Premier League glory, have already added Alexis Sanchez, Mathieu Debuchy, David Ospina and Calum Chambers but Quintero’s arrival would add even more depth to the Gunners’ attacking ranks.

The former Atlético Nacional star first came to prominence with a number of eye-catching displays for Colombia at last year’s under-20 World Cup.

He also impressed during a loan spell with Pescara in Serie A before Porto came calling last summer.

Wenger and his scouts would have seen firsthand what the playmaker could do after he provided the assist for his side’s first goal in a 3-1 win over Napoli at the 2013 Emirates Cup.

The Porto star continued his good form into the season and earned himself a spot in Colombia’s squad for the World Cup where he racked up one start and two substitute appearances.

He scored the decisive goal in his country’s 2-1 win over Ivory Coast and while James Rodriguez has captured most of the headlines this summer, Wenger may have unearthed a gem of a deal for another Colombian superstar to help propel his side towards an extended title challenge.

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