Manchester United and Arsenal scouts were present in the stands for Benfica’s Champions League clash with Galatasaray on Tuesday night, according to reports.
Portugal Football expert Jan Hagen confirmed scouts from Manchester City and Barcelona were also present to keep an eye on several Benfica players like Talisca, Nico Gaitan and Goncalo Guedes.
I don’t think it’s far-fetched to say some of them were watching Benfica starlets Gonçalo Guedes and Talisca. Gaitán surely on the list too.
— Jan Hagen (@PortuBall) November 4, 2015
According to reports from UK press, Arsenal are seemingly interested in the Benfica wonderkid Guedes who is dubbed the “new Cristiano Ronaldo”.
Arsenal however are expected to face a strong competition from a host of European clubs including Barcelona, who could move for the player as early as January, when their transfer ban gets lifted.
Benfica usually are a selling club and they would like to sell the youngster at the highest price possible. The 18-year-old has a reported £40m release clause inserted into his current contract, which could be a big hindrance while pulling off the deal.
The youngster did exceptionally well last year for Benfica reserves (provided 12 assists and scored seven goals) and his stock has exploded this term after appearing 12 times in all competitions for the Benfica senior team.
The main problem lies with his ridiculous price tag. He is still a raw talent, no where near the finished article and hitherto unproven in the major leagues.
In comparable terms, Anthony Martial joined Manchester United this summer (although United paid over the odds) for a reported fee of £36m and Raheem Sterling joined Manchester City for £49m. However, Martial had one full season under his belt with the senior Marseille team, and Sterling was an already established international (Golden boy winner) before he made the move from Liverpool.
Well, Guedes could become the next Cristiano Ronaldo in few years’ time, but at this moment it is hard to see any top European club paying £40m for his services.
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