As we bring in a crucial North London derby weekend, Jonathan Kaney returns to bring the latest Arsenal transfer gossip alongside his views.
Arsenal eye Benfica starlet (Daily Star)
Arsenal are chasing Benfica’s 18-year-old prospect Goncalo Guedes according to the Daily Star.
It’s thought that a host of clubs including Manchester United, Manchester City and Barcelona have been keeping tabs on him. However, it was Gunners scouts that were clocked watching the 18-year-old winger during Benfica’s Champions League tie with Galatasaray.
The Portuguese winger has shown huge promise in his recent form for Benfica and has been compared to Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo by many in the media. He looks like a cracking player, but signing him from Benfica will be no easy task, with his current contract running until 2021 and including a hefty £40m buyout clause. As usual though in elite football, if he is worth it, clubs will pay it.
Arsenal fight for ‘new Ashley Cole (Mirror)
Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City and Man United are keeping an eye on Walsall teenager Rico Henry according to the Mirror.
The 18-year-old Englishman has been in fine form for Walsall this season and was named best young player in the Football League for September, after scoring twice from left back as the Saddler’s sit top of League Two.
Walsall tied him down to a new three-year contract in October, but Walsall manager Dean Smith clearly thinks he has what it takes to make it to the top. He said:
“If I were to liken him to anyone it would be a young Ashley Cole and it’s up to him how far he can now go in the game”.
Joel Campbell vows to stay at Arsenal (Metro)
The Metro reports that Joel Campbell has pledged his future to the Gunners and wants to stay at the club to win trophies.
It was thought Arsene Wenger may have considered selling him in January. However, Campbell’s agent Joaquim Batica said his client “wants to be successful with Arsenal and wants to stay”.
He also says the 23-year-old Costa Rican is determined to build a career at Arsenal after being given opportunities this season and was buoyed by his spirited performance against Swansea last weekend where he grabbed a goal.
Campbell has spent plenty of time on loan in his five years at Arsenal, being shipped out to the likes of Lorient, Real Betis, Olympiacos and Villarreal. The next few opportunities he has to prove himself are crucial to his future and whether Arsene keeps him at the Emirates for the future.