Pranav Nair
Arsenal enter the battle for Manchester United target Pedro Goncalves
According to Portuguese publication A Bola (h/t The Mirror), Arsenal have joined Manchester United in the race for Sporting Lisbon star Pedro Goncalves.
The 22-year-old has emerged as a tour de force for the Portuguese giants this season. With 15 goals and four assists in 23 games, he is leading Sporting’s bid to win their first Primieria Liga title since 2022. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Dubbed the new Bruno Fernandes, Goncalves has shown a similar acumen to the United star in making a difference on the pitch.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has struggled for inspiration this season and views the 22-year-old as an alternative to on-loan midfielder Martin Odegaard. As recently seen against Liverpool, Arsenal’s lack of imagination going forward remains a major issue.
A right-winger, Goncalves is also versatile enough to play in central midfield. His ability to pick out a pass and also move into channels makes him a hard man to pin down.
With a release clause of £52m, United view Goncalves as an alternative to Jadon Sancho. The 22-year-old’s abilities could shine in a United system that has so far looked overreliant on Fernandes.
Goncalves’ contract at Sporting runs until 2025. This gives the Portuguese side an advantage when it comes to negotiations. Moreover, Liverpool are also in the hunt for the player after having made an unsuccessful bid to land him in January. (h/t Eurosport)
The Sporting ace already has experience of life in England, having spent two years at Wolverhampton Wanderers. During that time, he made just one senior appearance and was largely involved with the club’s Under-23s. (h/t Transfermarkt)
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Of the three teams in the fray, United are best placed to offer Goncalves Champions League football next season. We have had a good relationship with Sporting, having signed a number of their top players in recent times.
Whether this will be enough for us to land Goncalves remains to be seen.
