Arsenal target Wesley Moraes has iterated his desire to move to England one day, and it could be this summer with the Gunners being prime contenders for his signature
Brazilian striker Wesley Moraes has proven to be a hit at Club Brugge this season, and naturally many clubs are reportedly interested in bringing him this summer. The Sun are reporting that the Brazilian forward has iterated his desire to move to England in the coming summer, and Arsenal are believed to be one of the frontrunners for his signature.
Moraes has been in red hot form for his club this season, bagging 14 goals and providing nine assists. In addition to his impressive tally, his overall style has reportedly attracted interest from many clubs in England and across Europe. And, there could be a scramble for the 22-year-old in the summer, especially after his suggestions that a switch to the Premier League could be appealing.
In an interview with Belgian newspaper Het Belang van Limburg (h/t The Sun), Moraes said, “I have read all those names. It is of course completely different going to China than to another European country. I don’t know what I want, I don’t want to exclude anything. I do know that I once said that I want to go to England and that is still the case.”
Moraes has been with Club Brugge since January 2016 after just half a season later at Slovakian club AS Trencin. The Brazilian has since been a consistent force for the Belgian side. Furthermore, he has also acquired experience playing in the Champions League, where he scored twice this season against AS Monaco.
However, the forward is considering his time with the Belgian club and aims to move away in the summer. The Premier League could be the preferred destination, with Arsenal rumoured to be monitoring the 22-year-old among other targets.
Unai Emery is on the lookout for a striker in the upcoming window to provide backup to current strike duo, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Alexandre Lacazette. He is especially looking for a forward to replace Danny Welbeck, who might leave the club on a free transfer if Arsenal do not offer him a new contract.
Welbeck has been a decent player for the Gunners, although his poor goal return, as well as his constant injury problems, have made it difficult for Arsenal to offer him an extension. Moraes is not the only player linked with the North Londoners, who have also targeted Lille’s Nicolas Pepe and Rennes’ Ismaila Sarr.
Recent reports have suggested that Arsenal have reached an agreement with Brazilian teenage sensation Gabriel Martinelli. However, some of the targets mentioned might not be viable considering their price tags.
Moraes would thus, be a viable target, considering Club Brugge want just £15 million for their forward, an amount Arsenal might have no qualms in shelling out. With goals and assists coming at a regular pace for Moraes, he could be a good fit at the Emirates, although only as a backup striker to begin with.
However, taking Welbeck’s example, the English forward has consistently got playing time despite his secondary role, and Moraes will be hoping such is the case with him if he joins Arsenal. Overall, he does look like a decent prospect to play for the Premier League heavyweights.
