Arsenal are one of three clubs keen on signing Velez Sarsfield midfielder Thiago Almada, according to reports in Spain. Manchester City have been heavily linked with the 19-year-old in recent months while Atletico Madrid are also said to be keeping tabs on the player.
The talented teenager can play as a number 10 or on either wing, and fans on Twitter would love to see the Argentine make the move to the Emirates:
? he is incredible!!
He breaks ankles and scores screamers and curlers with BOTH HIS FEET. Besides, he can play in the midfield as well as a forward. Will be an incredible decision if it really goes through.— Tierney Tackle (@ScottishBloodKT) May 6, 2020
Reminds me of Alexis Sanchez a little. Similar height and build. Chops through defenders in tight spaces. Once he breaks the midfield press, puts his head down and attacks the net. Agressive speed and great finishing with both feet.
— Nicolas Pepe dribbled past Van Dijk (@ArthurLigma) May 6, 2020
Amazing on Football Manager ??
— Dave (@Dave32396589) May 6, 2020
I prefer him to the Brazilian guy GABRIEL VERON
— Rich Oxford (@Zen20h) May 6, 2020
Easy sign he’s a cam version of Di Maria good leg foot fearless still raw but with arteta development baller
— Aki Gooner ??♂️ (@akhgooner) May 6, 2020
He's a very good dribbler! Technically gifted kid.
— Celestine Mbaluka (@mbaluks) May 7, 2020
Imagine him and Pepe on both wings breaking ankles of the defenders. Propa Nightmare.
???— No Name Face (@wackytobaccy99) May 7, 2020
Football manager legend
— Nadav K ????????? (@MagicMesut1) May 6, 2020
Whether a move for Almada is a realistic possibility for the Gunners, it is up for debate. Velez Sarsfield have already made it known that they will refuse an offer below his release clause.
At the moment, the midfielder’s buyout fee is a reasonable €22m (£19m) but that will reportedly rise to €25m (£22m) after August 31st. It isn’t an astronomical asking price but with priorities in other areas of the pitch, Arsenal may not be prepared to pay such an amount.