Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly well-positioned to sign SC Braga’s star attacker Ricardo Horta, who is set to cost around €20 million.
According to Fichajes, Arsenal and Liverpool are among the clubs interested in the services of Ricardo Horta. The SC Braga winger has emerged as one of the most sought-after talents in Portuguese football thanks to his consistent performances in the Primeira Liga over the years.
Horta’s current contract at Braga expires in 2026, but that has not deterred a number of clubs from seeking his services. It is thought that Arsenal and Liverpool are the two clubs best-positioned to snap him up, potentially even in the January transfer window. The player is expected to cost around €20 million, even though he does have a release clause worth €30 million.
A product of the SL Benfica youth academy, Horta has been a part of the Braga setup since 2016 when he joined the club on loan. He ended up making his move permanent in the following year after being involved in 12 league goals in his debut season. And since then, the attacker has notched up 256 competitive appearances for the club, scoring 82 goals while providing 42 assists.
A left-winger by trade, the 27-year-old has impressed onlookers with his productivity in front of goal. But he is also quite versatile, as the attacker can operate on both flanks. His low centre of gravity allows him to drift past defenders with ease, making him a useful asset to have in the final third.
Horta’s qualities and his performances have not gone unnoticed, with Liverpool potentially eyeing him as a winter reinforcement option. It is no secret that the Reds are in the market for a new winger as both Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane leave for international duty in light of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
Liverpool have been linked with a move for Arnaut Danjuma. But it appears Villarreal have no intention of selling their star player in January, which could bring Horta into the fray.
As for Arsenal, they are looking to add more competition for the creative trifecta of Emile Smith Rowe, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka. The Gunners are also prepared to offload Nicolas Pepe amid interest from AC Milan, and Horta could prove to be an excellent replacement.
From Ruben Neves to Bruno Fernandes, Arsenal have missed out on several Portuguese performers in the recent past, and given his majestic tally at Braga, Mikel Arteta might not want to make the same mistake in the pursuit of Ricardo Horta this January.