Arsenal are among the suitors for Gomes Rodriguez, the 16-year-old Southampton youngster, who also has Benfica’s interest.
According to Glorioso 1904 via Sport Witness, Arsenal are among the clubs keeping close tabs on Southampton prodigy Gomes Rodriguez. The 16-year-old has been impressing through the ranks at the Saints, with Benfica also considered a big suitor for the teenage striker.
Arsenal in Gomes Rodriguez chase
Arsenal are revamping their academy ranks, and the club may attack the youth market with renewed vigour. For many years now, the scenes behind the youth window have changed drastically, with the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea operating on a separate budget.
Arsenal have become the latest team to have a separate budget to recruit for their academy and continue to target some top-class youth talents. For instance, they are fighting Manchester City closely for the signature of Southampton starlet Harrison Miles, and now they might be interested in another Saints prospect.
Gomes Rodriguez has caught the attention of Arsenal’s academy chiefs. The 16-year-old attacking prodigy is already impressing with an age group above his grade. The teenage striker has been a regular fixture with the Saints U-18s and could be tempted to join one of the big clubs.
Arsenal are also keen to keep Chido Obi Martin beyond this window, and there are rumours that Mikel Arteta might promote the Danish star to a much more significant level and even give the Danish star a few chances to train or play for the first team next season. Hence, the youth teams will need a top-draw striker, and the Gunners might consider Gomes Rodriguez as that player.
Benfica unlikely to sign Gomes Rodriguez
In terms of interest, Benfica might be the biggest suitor in the chase for the 16-year-old attacking prodigy. The Portuguese side has a history of snapping up the best young talents from around, and they have set sights on Gomes Rodriguez alongside Arsenal.
In this particular chase, Arsenal, if they are serious, could have the upper hand. Players under the age of 18 cannot join Portuguese clubs from England, much like many other countries. Hence, should the teenager decide to quit Southampton, the Gunners will have a bigger chance of landing him than key suitors Benfica.
