Why Swansea moving for Paul Arriola would bolster squad depth

According to Wales Online, Swansea City have been linked with a move for DC United winger Paul Arriola as Steve Cooper seeks further reinforcements to bolster his squad before the deadline.

However, while it has been confirmed that the versatile American features on the club’s transfer wishlist, it is understood that the Swans are not actively pursuing a deal for the MLS star this month. That could, of course, change as the January window enters its showdown week.

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Paul Arriola had a brief stint in the youth academy of Los Angeles Galaxy in the United States before turning professional with Mexican club Tijuana in 2013. He went on to spend four seasons in the Mexican top-flight, amassing 11 goals and 3 assists in 116 appearances for Tijuana. 

The 25-year-old returned to the United States with DC United in August 2017 and has since been a key player for the Major League Soccer outfit. Arriola has made a total of 72 appearances for the Black and Reds, contributing with 14 goals and 13 assists in the process.

Arriola has also been a consistent performer for the United States national team over the past few years. Since making his international debut in 2016, the versatile right-sided star has accumulated 6 goals and 5 assists from 34 caps. 

More competition for places?

Swansea City have been among the busiest clubs in the Championship this January. After losing loanees Viktor Gyokeres, Kasey Palmer and Morgan Gibbs-White, earlier in the month, Steve Cooper’s side have moved quickly to secure Conor Hourihane and Jordan Morris on loan from Aston Villa and Seattle Sounders respectively.

Veteran goalkeeper Ben Hamer has also been roped in on a free transfer to provide cover for Freddie Woodman following the injury to Steven Benda. However, the Welsh outfit still have some pressing concerns in terms of squad depth in certain areas.

Connor Roberts has been among the standout performers for the Swans in the Championship this season. The Welshman has played every minute of the club’s league campaign so far, contributing with 2 goals and 5 assists from right wing-back. Cooper, though, doesn’t have too many quality alternatives to call upon in case of an injury to the 25-year-old.

With fixtures set to come thick and fast during a hectic second half of the season, Swansea should definitely seek some additional cover in that department.

Arriola a feasible target?

Swansea have already raided the MLS this month to sign striker Jordan Morris on loan from Seattle Sounders. And a potential loan deal for Paul Arriola would represent another smart piece of business. Much like Morris, Arriola also fits the bill as a proven performer across the Atlantic and the United States national side.

The 25-year-old’s versatility is something that should make him an appealing target for the Swans. While essentially a right-winger by trade, Arriola is equally capable of slotting into right-back and wing-back roles. Those qualities should make him a perfect fit for Cooper’s system at the Liberty Stadium.

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There’s always an element of risk involved in signing players from the MLS. However, the fact that Swansea are only contemplating a loan move for Arriola should make him more than worth a punt for the Championship promotion hopefuls.