Arsenal and Manchester City have made perfect starts to the new Premier League season after major summer changes.
The reigning champions have collected nine points from their opening three matches. Arsenal beat Coventry City and Aston Villa before securing a 2-1 victory over Chelsea.
Mikel Arteta also strengthened his squad significantly during the summer. Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa and Piero Hincapie were among the additions.
Manchester City have matched Arsenal’s nine-point return and currently lead them on goal difference. Enzo Maresca’s side have beaten Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Coventry.
City also rebuilt their squad after Rodri, John Stones and Bernardo Silva departed. Enzo Fernandez arrived from Chelsea for £125M, alongside Elliot Anderson, Iliman Ndiaye and Ayyoub Bouaddi.
However, both clubs are already considering further defensive additions ahead of January.
According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal and Manchester City are monitoring Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Willian Pacho. Both clubs have compiled detailed scouting reports on Pacho.
Scouts from Arsenal and City recently watched the 24-year-old during PSG’s 2-2 draw against Lille.
Arsenal view Pacho as another high-level left-footed option for their defence. Meanwhile, City believe his qualities could suit Maresca’s possession-based system.
However, PSG recently strengthened their position by handing Pacho a new contract until 2031. His previous agreement had been due to expire two years earlier.
The Ecuador international has also started all three of PSG’s Ligue 1 matches this season. He completed the full 90 minutes in each game.
Consequently, neither Arsenal nor City have opened formal negotiations or submitted an offer for the defender.
Liverpool and Real Madrid have previously monitored Pacho, but there are currently no formal talks with either club.
A January move could therefore prove difficult following Pacho’s contract extension. For now, Arsenal and City are continuing to monitor the defender ahead of the winter window.
