Arsenal alerted to World Cup defender’s January transfer

There were already a number of clubs around Europe gearing up for a January transfer bid, but now Arsenal have joined the fray, we should be able to beat them to the signature of Maxi Pereira in the January transfer window. And it looks like he definitely will be available after his current club Benfica realised this is their last chance to recoup some money before he leaves on a free transfer in the summer.

The Uruguay international was impressive again in his second World Cup finals, while he was a key part of the Uruguay team which won the 2011 Cop America tournament in Argentina, so it is no surprise that Arsene Wenger became interested when he heard that the likes of Napoli and Besiktas were planning to battle it out for him.

But Talksport are now reporting that the Italian press have the Gunners ready to move for Pereira and surely the Premier League and Champions League will prove too tempting for the 30-year old. He has spent the last seven years at Benfica and has apparently decided it is time to move on for the last few years of his career.

Although the Uruguayan is a versatile defender, he is usually played at right back, which is not really the position most in need of cover for Arsenal, but having him would at least free Calum Chambers to play in the middle. Pereira certainly has lots of ability, experience and a fierce competitive streak which would make him a good addition.