Arsenal are dangerously close to missing out on the transfer of Thiago Almada to Manchester United.
Reports suggest that the Red Devils have opened negotiations with Velez Sarsfield for the signature of the teenage midfielder.
Almada is being touted as the best young talent in the Argentine top division. He is an attacking midfielder who can also play from the wings. The 19-year-old has collected 5 goals and 2 assists in 25 appearances this season (source: Transfermarkt).
Spanish media outlet, Fichajes claims that United want to secure a deal for Almada as soon as possible. Plenty of other European outfits including Arsenal are gunning for his services which are reportedly worth €22 million.
Arsenal desperately need more quality in midfield. Mesut Ozil is far from his best self and is nearing the final year of his contract with the Gunners. Without the right creative talent in the squad, Mikel Arteta will find it hard to impose his attacking style of play. The Spaniard has given a lot of the young players a chance to shine in the first team and Almada can follow suit.
We have already seen Gabriel Martinelli and Bukao Saka break out as first-team stars this season with William Saliba set to arrive after the season. Almada’s talents can be best utilized to replace Ozil and his age will also make a prime target for Arteta to mould. Will he be able to convert his talents into the Premier League? That is a gamble Arsenal might have to take in the present market conditions where they restricted by their budget.
READ MORE: Top 5 Arsenal transfer targets list Summer 2020
