Pundit urges Watford FC star to choose Everton over Arsenal | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer has told FLW his verdict on Arsenal and Everton's interest in Watford forward Yaser Asprilla

Carlton Palmer believes Everton would be a better fit for Watford’s Yaser Asprilla than Arsenal.

According to the print edition of The Mirror (07/07), the Hornets have placed a £15 million asking price on the Colombia international.

Asprilla has spent the last two seasons at Vicarage Road, and has contributed seven goals and nine assists in the Championship during that time (all stats from Fbref).

The 20-year-old has grown in importance over the last two years, and has now been recognised as a senior international.

The youngster is currently competing at Copa America, where he has helped his country reach the semi-final stages.

Arsenal and Everton eye Yaser Asprilla

Palmer has claimed that a move to the Premier League will be quite appealing for a player of Asprilla’s stature, and Arsenal’s Champions League football could sway him towards a move to the Emirates.

However, he believes that a move to Goodison Park would yield more regular first team football, which could make it the smarter move for his career going forward.

“Watford’s young wide player Yaser Asprilla is getting rave reviews at the Copa America, playing for Colombia, he is having a fantastic tournament,” Palmer told Football League World.

“He’s been very impressive so far.

“He’s primarily a winger, but he can play across the frontline, he’s got good pace, he’s got a strong left foot and the 20-year-old, of course, will want to play at the highest level possible.

“Two clubs are keeping tabs on the situation, Everton and Arsenal.

“He’s been very impressive within his short time at Vicarage Road, 86 appearances, seven goals, 10 assists.

“Watford have come out and said they have no intention of selling Asprilla, but should he decide to move on then Watford are going to have a problem and won’t stand in his way.

“The fee that’s been mooted is about £15 million.

“So, for a 20-year-old who is quite versatile, and obviously the possibility to move to a Premier League club with the likes of Arsenal, you’re talking about Champions League football.

“Of course your head is going to be turned.

“Now, the one thing about Asprilla, and I’ve always said this about young players, it’s about playing regular first team football.

“Would he get that at Arsenal? I don’t think so, and [would] possibly be loaned out again, but the opportunity of going to Everton and playing would be a more appealing option for the player.

“We’ll have to wait and see, he’s under contract for a few more years, so Watford will be in no rush to sell the Colombian, but should the player want to go, and they receive a sizable offer in excess of £15 million I’m sure they wouldn’t stand in his way.”

Yaser Asprilla’s Watford contract

Asprilla’s contract runs until the summer of 2026, meaning there is no immediate need for Watford to cash in on one of their star players.

The winger made 44 appearances in the Championship last season, including 28 starts, as the Hornets came 15th in the table.

Asprilla has gone from strength to strength during his time at Vicarage Road, cementing himself as a key figure in the team going into the upcoming campaign.

However, an offer worth £15 million could potentially convince Watford to cash in this summer.

Arsenal move will be hard to turn down

Even if Asprilla likely won’t be a starter at Arsenal, it will be difficult to turn down that opportunity if it does arrive.

At £15 million, Asprilla could be a relatively affordable option to bring into a Premier League team to try and upgrade their attack.

His versatility is a very useful asset to have, and he is still only 20 so has a lot of potential to improve even further.

While he is not quite a finished product just yet, and could benefit from another 12 months at Watford, it’s difficult to see him staying if a sizable bid is made.