San Jose Earthquakes make blockbuster trade for Real Salt Lake star Chicho Arango

Real Salt Lake's star striker Cristian “Chicho” Arango is on his way to the San Jose Earthquakes via trade, sources confirmed to GOAL Friday.

The club quickly shifted gears after an unsuccessful rumored pursuit of U.S. international Brandon Vasquez, who joined Austin FC instead, in early January.

After joining last month, Earthquakes Sporting Director and Head Coach Bruce Arena vowed to make “additions” to a roster that finished with a league-worst 21 points last season. Securing Arango wasn’t cheap -- San Jose reportedly sent RSL $1.5 million in General Allocation Money and an international roster spot for the 29-year-old Colombian. Arango has been prolific in MLS, tallying 53 goals and 13 assists over four seasons with LAFC and RSL.

Arango was arguably the front-runner for MLS MVP during the first half of the season, propelling RSL into Western Conference contention with 16 goals between February and June. However, his trajectory took a sharp turn due to controversial off-pitch circumstances.

The forward was suspended in July for violating MLS’s anti-harassment policy, forcing him to miss three league matches and the All-Star Game, which would have been his debut in the league’s marquee midseason event. While details of the incident remain undisclosed, Arango failed to score again after July 6.

The Earthquakes are banking on the version of Arango who was a prolific scorer prior to the suspension - netting 36 goals in his first 62 MLS appearances. Over his career, the Colombian has also played in Colombia, Portugal, and Mexico, amassing 87 league goals in 239 matches.

In addition to his time in MLS, Arango also had a brief stint in Liga MX, dropping four goals in 10 games for Pachuca.

The Quakes will now kick off preseason with their biggest concern addressed. RSL will now undoubtedly be searching for a new striker and will be backed by their additional GAM funds and international roster spot.