Why Burnley must go all out for Giorgian De Arrascaeta in January
Burnley enjoyed a magnificent 2017/18 season, finishing seventh and qualifying for the Europa League. But after a premature exit from the Europa League, the Clarets have struggled badly this season and find themselves in the relegation zone.
For neutrals, Burnley qualifying for Europe and now failing to even get close to top-10 would be a surprise but for the fans, this is what they would have expected before the start of the season. Given the squad and the budget, each season in the top-flight will be about survival for Sean Dyche’s side.
It’s clear that Burnley need reinforcements in January to stand any chance of beating the drop. Defensively they have been very poor, which is a big surprise given that Dyche’s team has always been well-drilled and resolute at the back.
On the attacking front, despite having some really good players, the Clarets have managed just 17 goals in 19 league games.
With that in mind, Dyche should prioritise signing an attacking player in the upcoming winter transfer window. Burnley are in dire need of a creative spark in their team and Dyche must target Cruzeiro star Giorgian De Arrascaeta.
The 24-year-old was a part of Uruguay’s World Cup squad earlier this summer in Russia. He is currently turning heads across Europe with his performances in the Brasileiro Série A, having already been linked with Newcastle United and Celtic earlier this year.
Due to the playmaker penning a new deal with Cruzeiro until 2021 before the World Cup, Giorgian De Arrascaeta won’t be available for cheap. But Burnley should do everything possible to get a deal over the line in January before any big European club bags his signature.
In De Arrascaeta, Burnley would get a technically-gifted, fleet-footed attacker who can create things out of absolutely nothing. He is a fantastic dribbler whose close control makes him a nightmare to deal with.
The Uruguayan has lightning pace, and his sharpness, vision and instant acceleration coupled with his creative passing make him a potent threat in the final third.
Not only does the 24-year-old have the ability to leave the defenders for dead with the sudden burst of pace and wily changes of direction but he is also a good distance shooter with a powerful right foot. The opposition is in danger if De Arrascaeta is anywhere near the edge of the box as the Uruguay international is capable of delivering spectacular goals.
Read more: Burnley’s season would take a massive turn if they sign this 24-year-old top Scottish league talent in January
That said, Burnley should not hesitate to splash the cash to land the Uruguayan sensation as he has already shown plenty of promise at the age of 24 and looks destined for a bright future.