ARSENAL defender Julio Pleguezuelo has reportedly joined Mallorca on loan. Pleguezuelo was snapped up by the Spanish side sbobet168 yesterday but is yet to be formally unveiled by the club, according to newspaper Diario de Mallorca. The report says the Gunners U21 captain has joined Mallorca on a season-long loan without the option to make the move permanent. The 19-year-old centre-back is described as sbobet168 one of the best young defenders in Europe and the Spanish side are said to have acted quickly to seal the deal.
Diario de Mallorca says 'secretive and quick' talks were held yesterday afternoon and an agreement was reached despite a number of other clubs showing interest in Pleguezuelo. Mallorca have had a tough pre-season and sbobet168manager Fernando Vazquez has taken the decision to strengthen his defence before the Liga Adelante season gets underway on August 19. Pleguezuelo's move may dismay Arsenal fans with the club in desperate need of defensive reinforcements following Per Mertesacker's long-term injury. The 31-year-old has been ruled out until at least Christmas with a knee injury and Arsene Wenger admitted last week he is 'in the market' for a defender.