'Deal done' - Arsenal and Everton beaten to £25m 'fantastic' Watford star


Watford winger Yaser Asprilla is on the verge of completing a move to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad this summer as a £25 million agreement is struck between the two clubs.
The 20-year-old has been the centre of a transfer storm so far this summer after an impressive season for the Hornets last time out. The player was one of the Championship's standout stars during the 2023/24 campaign, grabbing six goals and seven assists in 44 appearances.
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Hide AdAsprilla's performances at such a young age had reportedly turned the heads of Premier League clubs. Arsenal had long been linked with interest in the player's services with Everton also emerging as a potential destination in recent weeks.
Earlier this month, GiveMeSport reported that both the Gunners and the Toffees were 'pushing' to complete a deal for the Watford man, who recently represented Colombia at the Copa America. Earlier in the window, a lofty £40 million price tag had been slapped on Asprilla but with just a year left on his contract, it was thought Premier League sides were hoping a £15m agreement could be made.
Despite the reports, Asprilla's agent Jonathan Restrepo told El VBar Caracol earlier this summer: “No one has contacted from Leicester. There is interest from other Premier clubs and other European countries.
"Arsenal have never asked me a question. These are things that the media is putting out.”
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Hide AdNow, according to a fresh report from Italian outlet Calcio Napoli, Asprilla will join Al-Ittihad for £25 million. The deal is of significance to the site given the fact that Watford's owners are the Italian business-owning Pozzo family.
The report claims that Asprilla has been offered a lucrative salary and that the £25 million profit was too good an offer for the Championship outfit to turn down. The Colombian arrived at Vicarage Road from Envigado in 2022 for around £2.5 million.
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Asprilla came under huge praise from Jake Livermore earlier this season, complementing his development under former manager Valerian Ismael. He told SkyBet: “There’s no doubt about it, he [Yaser Asprilla] has fantastic ability, and it’s a pleasure to play alongside him. The manager has got the best out of him, which is difficult at such a young age and when games come thick and fast.
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Hide Ad“The manager has been brilliant with him, and it’s difficult coming from different cultures, different styles of play since he’s been here – he's had a few styles of play to play under – but he’s really trying to take it on board. With all those factors included, it shows what a great all-rounder he is – he's got all the ability there and I am sure he’ll flourish once it all comes together.”
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