Arsenal are interested in signing Benfica’s teenager forward Diogo Goncalves, according to reports in the English media.
According to Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is keeping an eye on Benfica striker Diogo Goncalves. The 19-year-old has impressed at the European under-19 championships and has been recommended to Wenger by chief scout Gilles Grimandi.
The Gunners are in dire need of options up front after Olivier Giroud endured a disappointing campaign in 2015/16. Despite ending the season as Arsenal’s highest goal scorer, he went on a scoreless run of 14 matches which dented his side’s title aspirations.
Theo Walcott has often deputised as a striker for Giroud, but has also failed to impress. He did manage to find the back of net in Arsenal’s 3-4 loss against Liverpool, but also missed a crucial penalty in the game. His finishing and movement looked off the mark on the day and he will certainly not be a regular strike option for Wenger.
Alexis Sanchez was deployed as a number nine in the 0-0 draw against Leicester. Not a striker by trade, the immensely talented Chilean struggled against a resolute Foxes defence. Also, due to certain work permit issues, new signing Takuma Asano has been ruled out of the entire 2016/17 season.
Will Goncalves be a good signing for Arsenal?
Goncalves has shown tremendous promise with the Portuguese under-17 and under-19 national sides and could be a valuable addition to Arsene Wenger’s squad. The 19-year-old was also prolific in the UEFA Youth League last season.
It is also understood that the Arsenal scouts were in attendance to watch him play for Benfica B last Friday against Gil Vicente. The Portuguese put up a fine showing and managed to find the back of the net. Given Asano’s unavailability, Goncalves could become a vital backup player if Wenger is unable to sign any attackers before the end of the transfer window.