Arsenal want midfield maestro who sank Spain at World Cup

Arsenal and Chelsea look set to duke it out for the services of Chilean midfielder Charles Aranguiz this summer, with the 25-year-old reportedly a target for both London clubs.

The Metro is reporting that both the Gunners and Blues have taken tentative steps forward in their pursuit of the Internacional playmaker.

Selected as part of Chile’s 23-man squad for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Aranguiz’s star turn came against then-reigning champions Spain.

Already reeling from a 5-1 defeat to Holland in their opening fixture, the 25-year-old was front-and-centre as the South American’s dumped La Roja out of the tournament with a game to spare.

Aranguiz not only set up on-loan Queens Park Rangers forward Eduardo Vargas for Chile’s opener but was also on hand to score the second himself and seal a famous 2-0 victory.

Now back in Brazil, having made his loan move from Universidad de Chile a permanent one, Aranguiz is continuing to impress and could soon be heading to Europe.

Known more for his passing range and ability to bring others into play, the Chilean is also capable of weighing in with a goal or two when required.

To date, Aranguiz has scored 10 goals for Internacional in just over 35 appearances and is more than capable of firing home from distance.

Chelsea have reportedly already begun talks to sign the midfielder, who is capable of playing as either a deep-lying playmaker or further forward when required, though they could face stiff competition from Arsenal.

The Gunners have something of an ace up their sleeves though in the form of Alexis Sanchez – Aranguiz teammate at international level – but they will need to move quickly if they are to beat the Blues to the punch.

Likely to be part of the national team squad for this summer’s Copa America, with Chile due to host, another impressive showing at the tournament could see his price tag sky rocket.

Either Arsenal or Chelsea may want to wrap up a deal for the midfielder sooner rather than later.

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