Arsenal and Manchester United could target Porto’s Wendell as an experienced option at left-back, as his availability could spark a battle.
Dean Jones on Give Me Sport, insists Arsenal and Manchester United could be among those keen on Porto’s left-back Wendell. The 30-year-old Brazilian international could be put up for sale if the Portuguese side cannot find a solution to his future.
Arsenal, Manchester United keen on Wendell?
Arsenal suddenly have stacked up options at left-back, as only a misinformed fan would think they would go out and sign another one. Jakub Kiwior, a central defender by trade, has strongly established himself due to the earlier absence of Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Mikel Arteta may wait to change the Pole’s role, although on-loan star Kieran Tierney could depart, with the Gunners demanding at least £20 million. Whether the Scotsman’s departure could spark the club into entering the market for a replacement remains the question.
Yet, they are linked with a move for FC Porto star Wendell, who also impressed at the Emirates during the two teams’ recent Champions League encounter. However, at 30, the Brazilian international may not be seen as a natural option for their transfer policy.
Dean Jones insists that not only Arsenal but also Manchester United could consider the 30-year-old Brazilian international, should he be made available. The Red Devils have fell short in the position for most of the season, with Erik Ten Hag likely to target a new star there.
Jones said, “Juve have started looking at Wendell and if Porto start to show any openness to selling him then I wonder if he could come into view for the likes of Man United and maybe even Arsenal, who saw the job he did on Saka recently.”
This is a player with really big experience, playing all over the world in massive competitions and on competitive teams. He would be pretty cheap, and from conversations I have had around United and Arsenal, the mindset and wisdom of new players is going to be critical because both of those sides really want players that can help elevate their younger talent.”
“Would you want him as a starter every single week? Maybe not, but his contract is up in 2025 and when you are looking for players in a squad he fits for me.”
FC Porto to cash in on Wendell?
The 30-year-old Brazilian international could open the doors to a new challenge as he will enter the final year of his deal at FC Porto and might leave. Whether one of Arsenal or Manchester United come into the equation remains the questions.
For now, he could well leave Porto for a big challenge in his career, as he might lean towards joining a Premier League heavyweight over other targets like Juventus. It will be interesting to see where he lands in the summer transfer window.
