With Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal looking like joining either Arsenal or Liverpool in this summer’s transfer window, here’s a factfile on the Chilean international for fans at the Emirates Stadium or Anfield to sink their teeth into ahead of this exciting signing…
SEE ALSO:
Arsenal Vidal – four-year deal agreed!
Liverpool in advanced talks to sign £8.5m La Liga star as Gerrard replacement
Arsenal transfer rumours
1) Style of play
Starting out as a defensive midfielder, Vidal has found more success as a box-to-box player as part of a midfield three at Juventus. With an eye for goals and assists, the 28-year-old has been moved even further forward by new manager Massimiliano Allegri this season, playing behind the strikers and even out wide. A talented and versatile player, it remains to be seen how Vidal would be used by whichever club signs him, but he has all the qualities and energy needed to prove a hit in the Premier League.
2) He’s a proven winner
With four Serie A titles in each of his four seasons at Juventus, as well as three cup wins and an appearance in this season’s Champions League final against Barcelona, it’s clear that Vidal will bring a wealth of experience in winning trophies to Arsenal or Liverpool, who could do with more seasoned professionals in their squads, particularly this increasingly young Reds camp.
3) It’s not all about Pogba…
Much hype goes to Vidal’s midfield partner Paul Pogba, who is undoubtedly a top talent, but Vidal was still voted Juventus’ player of the year back in 2013 after a superb season. Indeed, much of Vidal’s intelligent and unselfish play has allowed others such as Pogba to shine for the Turin giants.
4) He’s starred in Italy and Germany
Vidal first made a name for himself in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, where he’d become a top transfer target for Bayern Munich. Still, he instead took his fine form with him to Italy, showing he can do it in different leagues and putting him in a good position to make the transition to English football. In 2010/11, the South American made the German team of the year, something he has also achieved twice in Serie A, in both 2013 and 2014.
5) He knows Alexis Sanchez pretty well
If he does join Arsenal, he will be in the company of his fellow countryman and old team-mate Alexis Sanchez, who moved to the Emirates Stadium from Barcelona last summer. The 26-year-old has settled in seamlessly in the Premier League, and could play a big part in persuading Vidal to join him in England. The pair have formed a fine partnership at international level for Chile, and also briefly played together at former club Colo Colo in their homeland.