Sources: Arsenal and Man City scouts closely monitor two-time UCL winner

Arsenal and Manchester City are continuing to monitor Paris Saint-Germain defender Willian Pacho as both Premier League heavyweights consider future additions to their back lines.

The 24-year-old Ecuador international has established himself as one of Europe’s leading left-footed centre-backs since joining PSG from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2024.

His combination of pace, physical strength and composure in possession makes him particularly attractive to clubs looking to defend aggressively while building attacks from the back.

However, a major development at PSG has made any potential January move significantly more complicated.

Arsenal and Manchester City scouts tracking Pacho

Sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside that Arsenal and Man City have both compiled detailed scouting reports on Pacho and recently watched him during PSG’s 2-2 draw with Lille.

Liverpool and Real Madrid have also monitored the Ecuadorian previously, although there are currently no formal negotiations or offers for the defender.

Arsenal reportedly see Pacho as another high-level left-footed defensive option, while City believe his passing and recovery speed would suit Enzo Maresca’s possession-based system.

Yet PSG have now strengthened their negotiating position considerably.

He has also started all three of PSG’s Ligue 1 matches this season, completing the full 90 minutes each time.