talkSPORT transfer spotlight: Arsenal target Lucas Biglia - facts, stats and video

talkSPORT turns our transfer spotlight on Anderlecht's defensive midfielder Lucas Biglia, who is being monitored by Arsenal.

Name: Lucas Biglia

Date of birth: 30/01/1986


Birthplace: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Position: Defensive midfielder


Club: Anderlecht

International appearances: Six


Honours: FIFA U20 World Cup 2005, Belgian Young Pro of the Year 06/07, Belgian Juliper Pro League winner 06/07 and 09/10



What's the latest news?
Arsenal are upping their efforts to sign Anderlecht midfielder Lucas Biglia in the January transfer window.

 
Did you know?

1) Biglia moved to Belgian side Anderlecht in 2006, after spending a year with Beunos Aires side Independiente. He was part of the Argentinian U20's side that won the 2005 World Cup alongside Lionel Messi, Pablo Zabaleta, Sergio Aguero and Fernando Gago.

2) Since joining Belgian Juliper League side Anderlecht, Biglia has shown enough promise to suggest a Premier League move is on the cards and was recently called up to the Argentina national side for the Copa America this summer. Interest from Arsenal was noted earlier this year, as Arsene Wenger looked to strengthen his side after the departure of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. Biglia plays in a defensive midfield role, with a high work-rate and reportedly reads the game well.

3) The Argentine has been compared with fellow countryman and ex-international Fernando Redondo, because of his fantastic ability to pick out balls across the field, find space, break up play as well as being successful as a deep-lying playmaker.

4) So far this season, the midfielder has made ten appearances for the Belgian side, scoring one goal and helping them qualify for the group stages of the Europa League, where they have won all their games so far. Anderlecht would struggle to keep hold of the 25-year-old, who, though a central member of their side, could fetch around £8m, which would be too difficult to turn down.

5) Biglia has signed a contract until 2015 and Arsenal are expected to submit a low offer of £6.5m in January. They could face a stiff challenge from Liverpool, who have also been linked to the player since the summer, as a potential replacement of Lucas Leiva, if he were to get injured or leave.


HE SAYS:


"I think I have come to the end of my time at Anderlecht... The board know what I want. Playing for Argentina opens lots of doors for me. Sometimes I feel I have to work harder because I play in Belgium. It would be easier in a different league." July 2011


THEY SAY:

"I know that there are [player] movements but they are just usual events to me". Ariel Jacobs, Anderlecht manager, October 2011

VIDEO EVIDENCE: