RC Strasbourg Close to Signing Joaquin Panichelli from Alaves

RC Strasbourg are on the verge of signing Argentine striker Joaquin Panichelli from Deportivo Alaves. They’ve made significant progress in talks this week. Strasbourg have reached a full agreement with Panichelli on personal terms, with only the final details between both clubs left to sort out.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Both sides have reached an agreement in principle for the €16m transfer of Panichelli from Alaves to Strasbourg. The Ligue 1 side has also reached terms with the player’s camp over a five-year contract, with both sides optimistic over a potential announcement in the near future.

Panichelli, 21, attracted interest from several clubs this summer after he scored 20 goals with Mirandés in Spain’s second division last term, and Strasbourg wasted no time pursuing him.

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT FOR STRASBOURG?

The imminent arrival of Panichelli highlights Strasbourg’s desire to invest heavily in young talent after their disappointing season in Ligue 1.

Strasbourg finished 7th in the table last year, and have since qualified for the Conference League, allowing many of Chelsea’s players to get the needed experience and exposure as both teams are owned by the same group. Despite having the 6th best attack of the league, the team wants to improve it especially as it will have a more demanding calendar this season. Panichelli, who has already proven he can score consistently, arrives as a readymade solution to that issue as the team looks to push themselves up the table. According to a recent update, Strasbourg aims for a higher finish in Ligue 1 this season.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Strasbourg kick off their Ligue 1 campaign against Metz on the first machtday in Ligue 1. Philippe Galtier’s side will be keen to avoid a silent transfer window as they look to have sufficient options ahead of what is likely to be a battle to reach European spots. As for Alaves, Babacar Mouka Dioum and Lamine Diaby are still on the transfer market, and Panichelli’s departure will further add to the Spanish La Liga club’s worries amid the players they have already lost this summer.