Arsenal have something of a mixed history with Spanish midfielders.
Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla and Mikel Arteta were undoubted successes. Jon Toral and Denis Suarez not so much.
Well, reports suggest that the Gunners could be about to try and add another Spaniard to their ranks.
Madrid-based newspaper La Razon claim that Arsenal are one of a number of clubs keen on signing Espanyol ace Marc Roca ahead of next campaign.
The midfielder has featured regularly for the La Liga side this term but it could turn out to be his last season at RCDE Stadium as they are facing relegation due to their position at the bottom of the division.
The report claims that Arteta is 'very interested' in taking Roca to Arsenal, with Real Madrid, Everton and AC Milan also mentioned in regards to a summer move.
But who is the Espanyol star? football.london takes a look.
Roca was actually linked with a move to the Emirates last summer having impressed at the Under-21 European Championships in Spain's successful campaign.
Bayern Munich were also keen to secure Roca’s signature but weren’t prepared to pay his €40m buyout clause.
It appears that Bayern are no longer in the race to sign him and his form this season may have something to do with that.
The 23-year-old hasn't been at his very best this season but his quality still remains, thus explaining why Arsenal, Everton and Real Madrid have been linked with him.
Likened to Spain legends Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets in the past, Roca’s role is defined. He is a midfield pivot, the orchestrator of his side's attacks.
When used at the base of a midfield three, Roca often drops deep to collect possession from the Espanyol centre-backs or goalkeeper. This gives him time to survey the pitch and use his excellent range of passing.
Few midfielders can hit a long pass as well as Roca. He can open the pitch up with a pinpoint diagonal or can arrow the ball into the feet of an attacker with alarming ease.
His short game is just as effective. Roca constantly makes himself free to create passing angles for teammates and looks to progress the ball when possible.
And if given possession under pressure, he has the nimble footwork and speed of thought required to manoeuvre into space. In an era of intense pressing, it’s a valuable skill to have.
“Maybe I didn't have it [a natural defensive instinct] as my desire has always been to touch the ball,” Roca said in an interview with El Pais last year. “I am a creative midfielder but as time has passed I have grown defensively. Work always surpasses talent.”
Roca’s inconsistent form this term is likely down to the number of different systems Espanyol have used under their three different head coaches.
He’s had to sit in front of a back four, screen a back three and play in a double pivot. Only one occasion has he been used as the deepest in a midfield three.
That’s not to say he is only able to thrive in one role, it’s more his lack of continuity in any one position has impacted his game.
The Spanish midfielder’s buyout clause stands at €40m.
However, if Espanyol are relegated at the end of the campaign, they may be forced into selling him for a reduced fee.
He could be a bargain signing for the Gunners.
