Thursday, March 28, 2024

Mahrez Alternative? Arsenal Send Scouts To Watch Portuguese Winger

It might be slow, but Arsenal are making progress in this summer window as they look to bounce back from a season that left the trophy cabinet empty.

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It seems Arsene Wenger is true to his word when stating the club are searching for new signings, after he sent scouts out to watch Goncalo Guedes.
Its the busiest time of year at the moment for Football scouts across the world, and it’s no different for the Gunners chiefs who went along to check out the youngster during Benfica’s pre-season friendly with Torino.

Last season was a breakthrough season for Guedes. Yep, it’s not the household name we were all hoping for but 90% of Gunners fans would welcome anyone on the wing to challenge Theo Walcott for a place.

So what do we know about the 19-year-old? Well, after working his way through the youth ranks Guedes is a highly rated youngster who’s comfortable with first team football.

Last season he managed to pick up 27 appearances whilst scoring four goals in the process, one of those making him the youngest goalscorer in the Champions League last season.

Having been at the club since 2005, the winger has featured as an impact player for the last two years often making regular stints from the bench to give Benfica some energy.

Not content with club football, Guedes has gone on to pick up two caps for Portugal and is now seen as a hot topic to learn from the very best in that position, Cristiano Ronaldo.

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Despite him being under contract until 2021, Benfica are resigned to the fact that top European clubs are after his signature, and a decent price could tempt them into selling.

Guedes is a talented winger who’s had spells on both sides of the pitch with his passing style very similar to that of Arsenal, a welcome trait for any incoming player.

For such a young player his maturity strikes you first, and awareness of surrounding players is what drives him towards goal where he’s always looking to whip a ball back.

Of course, there will be plenty more time to look at Guedes more in-depth, and we’ll keep you updated with any movements surrounding the Portuguese stars chances of becoming a Gunner.

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