Spain have been in need of a striker for quite a long time, and the nationalization of Diego Costa plastered that need. Paco Alcacer, at the tender age of 21, has come into his own in the starting weeks of the La Liga and has been rewarded with a Spain call-up and getting to play in the place of an injured Costa, he scored his first goal in his first start for Spain, catapulting himself into the world limelight, and is now seen as a future hope for Spain.
The resulting fame has helped him get into his own at Valencia, as he has scored 3 goals in 4 games in the league and also has 2 assists to his name. Due to his top-notch performances in the last few weeks, he has turned into the next transfer target for clubs such as Arsenal and Chelsea in the January transfer window. However, Valencia may not be willing to sell him very quickly, after their roaring start to the season. At the age of 21, Alcacer needs to play regular first-team football, which he is getting at Valencia. He has fought to establish himself in the first-team over the last season and he used the lengthy summer break (as he didn’t play at the World Cup for Spain) to develop himself into an even better striker, which has been reflected in his playing style over the last few weeks, as he has turned into Valencia’s first option.
He has a very good work-rate, times his runs perfectly and is involved to a great extent in build-up play, something which is of great importance to a team such as Arsenal, where scoring moves develop over a wide range of passes and link-ups. His strength while on the ball and his finishing skills are phenomenal, which has made a manager like Mourinho sit up and take notice of him for Chelsea’s system.
His release clause is set close to £15 million, which means that he would be a steal for any of the top clubs. With his reluctance to sign a new contract, top clubs are keeping close tabs on him, and are ready to pounce as soon as they are given the green signal. He provides a long-term option to most of these clubs, and he will obviously develop his talent to peddle his skills as a top footballer at a top club in some time, due to his good work ethic, and his willingness to grow.
At this point in time, at any of the above-mentioned clubs, he will be an option who will be sparingly used. At Chelsea, just like for Spain, Alcacer will play second-fiddle to a rampaging Costa and possibly Loic Remy. At Arsenal, Giroud and possibly, Welbeck are the preferred strikers, with youngsters such as Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell having to be content with a bit-part role. It would be better if he buckles down and signs a deal that will keep him at Valencia for some time, rather than move to a big club and not have any game-time. Young talent has been wasted on the benches of big clubs, and Paco should not be one of these talented players who has to be content with a place on the bench.