The agent of striker Alessio Da Cruz has confirmed that Arsenal were very interested in signing the Dutchman before he made the £2m move from Novara to Parma earlier this month.
The Mirror initially reported the Gunners’ interest in the forward back in November, and George Boateng revealed to Parmalive.com that the London club were actively pursuing his client:
“The interest was certainly not lacking, that of Arsenal in the first place, but within two and three days we concluded with Parma.”
Arsenal’s interest in Da Cruz was pretty surprising when it was first mentioned. The former Dutch Under 18 international had joined Serie B outfit Novara on a free transfer from FC Twente in the summer.
The striker did start the season well, but he has scored just five times in 19 league appearances in the second division of Italian football so far this campaign. The Gunners may have seen some hidden potential in the Dutchman but it’s clear it wasn’t enough for them to follow up their interest by competing with Parma for his signature.
