Arsenal and Tottenham are reportedly keeping a watchful eye on the progress of 19-year-old Gambian whizkid Ebrima Darboe.
According to a report by Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, Ebrima Darboe is starting to capture the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe ahead of the summer transfer window. The 19-year-old AS Roma prodigy is being tracked by Arsenal and Tottenham, among others.
Darboe joined AS Roma in the summer of 2017 before subsequently making swift progress in the Serie A club’s youth setup. And, after four years progressing through the ranks, the 19-year-old was promoted to the first-team squad this year, with his debut coming earlier this month.
In such a short span, which includes five appearances for the senior side, Darboe has gone on to make quite an impression, with his progress piquing the interest of some of the biggest names in the continent. Two such prospective suitors are Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, both of whom have been watching the teenage prodigy with great attention.
The interest from Arsenal makes a great deal of sense, considering they are likely to dip their toes in the transfer market this summer for a midfield reinforcement. Indeed, with Dani Ceballos unlikely to be signed for a third time, either on loan or permanently, the Gunners must sign a midfielder, which is why they have been linked with Sander Berge, Orkun Kokcu and others.
Darboe, too, could be an option worth considering for Arsenal, who are sure to have been left impressed by his solid display against Lazio last weekend. As for Tottenham, they are set to enter a transitional period this coming summer, with their fortunes dwindling and the future of talisman Harry Kane being highly uncertain.
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Like Arsenal, Tottenham have also been linked with Kokcu, while Riqui Puig is one of their targets as well. A possible pursuit of Darboe will not be unfounded either, with the 19-year-old possibly being a long-term replacement for Moussa Sissoko, who is on the wrong side of 30 and should be getting phased out soon.
However, while Arsenal and Tottenham are showing a keen interest in him, even if from a safe distance for now, a transfer is unlikely to see the light of the day, with AS Roma not prepared to listen to any offers for the 19-year-old whizkid. In fact, the Serie A outfit have taken him off the market, with the player set to become a key figure under former Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho.
