Leeds United are now very interested in signing a Serie A forward for Daniel Farke in the January transfer window, according to recent reports.

Farke warns Leeds to stay "humble" in relegation fight

If those at Elland Road were offered the chance to be 10 points clear of the dropzone at the start of the season, they would have grabbed hold of that opportunity with everything they have. Now, as they welcome the new year, it could be their dream-like reality with victory over Manchester United this Sunday.

The Whites, fresh from six games without defeat, will play host to their rivals looking to take a major step towards survival. Farke is not getting carried away, however, and has instead warned his side to stay “awake” in their battle to avoid the drop.

The German told reporters earlier this week: “To have more than 20 points at this stage of the season as a promoted side is a really good sign.

“More encouraging is the performances as we have been competitive in each and every game more or less. This is quite good but we have to keep awake, we can’t stop winning points as it’s not enough to stay in this league.

“We are confident and also happy with how we are doing but there is no time for losing ground or not staying humble or getting complacent.”

Farke spoke of the type of complacency that the 49ers must also avoid this month. Whilst the Yorkshire side continue their impressive run, the owners must back their side in the transfer market.

On that front, reports have already suggested that Leeds could target the likes of Ruben Vargas and now Serie A striker Artem Dovbyk this month.

Leeds very interested in signing Artem Dovbyk

According to Tuttomercatoweb journalist Niccolo Ceccarini, as relayed by Sport Witness, Leeds are very interested in signing Dovbyk from AS Roma this month.

The forward is reportedly moving closer to the exit door in Rome and the likeliest destination in the January transfer window remains the Premier League.

Related Leeds now prioritising January deal to sign Bundesliga standout in £11m move

He’s a set-piece specialist.

Posts ByTom Cunningham

In terms of stature, it would be a statement move from Leeds, but they are not the only side interested. Battling alongside the Whites, Sunderland are also among the clubs hoping to land the 28-year-old in what could certainly throw a spanner in the works.

Subscribe to the newsletter for Leeds transfer intel Find deeper transfer context by subscribing to the newsletter: focused coverage of Leeds’ pursuit of Serie A forwards, what Dovbyk would contribute to the attack, wage impact and squad-fit analysis supporters value.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Between the two newly-promoted sides, it may well come down to who’s more willing to pay Dovbyk’s hefty £94,000-a-week salary which would make him the second-highest earner at Elland Road behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

League stats 25/26

Dovbyk

Calvert-Lewin

Minutes

333

1,135

Goals

2

8

Assists

1

0

Expected Goals

2

6.8

Although Dovbyk has struggled for minutes at Roma this season, the numbers suggest that he could become a reliable goalscorer with a move to the Premier League.

The forward, in the equivalent of just over three games of action, has scored two league goals this season to match his expected numbers. Combine that with Calvert-Lewin and Leeds would have quite the strike force.

As per reliable reporter Jack Rosser of The Evening Standard, there has been a major midweek contract development out of West Ham United involving Ben Johnson.

The Lowdown: Johnson excelling at West Ham…

Over the course of this campaign, the Hammers’ young right-back has come into his own when given the opportunity, perhaps most notably towards the end of last year.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-developments-3/” title=”West Ham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Johnson unexpectedly displaced Vladimir Coufal, who was a major part of David Moyes’ success in guiding West Ham to a Europa League place last season.

The 22-year-old put in some huge performances and, most recently, enjoyed a solid second half showing against Newcastle United after coming on for Ryan Fredericks, who endured a day to forget (SofaScore).

The Latest: Major contract update for Johnson…

According to Rosser for The Evening Standard, West Ham have now activated a two-year extension option in Johnson’s contract with his form having attracted elite Premier League suitors, coming after talks with the player over a long-term deal came to nothing.

The journalist tweeted: “West Ham have activated a two-year option in Ben Johnson’s contract. Talks were held over a long-term deal but came to nothing, so option taken.

“His form this season has attracted admirers at Spurs, Arsenal & Liverpool.”

The Verdict: Right move…

Johnson has been nothing short of brilliant when given the opportunity, ranking as the Irons’ fifth-best player this season according to Sofascore, and tying him down to a new contract is certainly the right move by GSG and Moyes.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The 22-year-old could prove to be a key player for West Ham over the next few years going by his form this season, and the last thing GSB will want is Johnson getting poached by another club from the upper echelons of the Premier League.

In other news: GSB now willing to offer once-£100m star what he wants to join West Ham, find out more here.

Crystal Palace have not been shy when it comes to buying and selling players to and from their fellow Premier League clubs over the past few years with Andros Townsend, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Christian Benteke to name just a few.

One other player that the Eagles sold to another side in the top division that has since proved to have been a better deal for the south London club than the team he joined is Dwight Gayle.

The centre-forward made the move to Selhurst Park back in the 2013 summer transfer window from Peterborough United in a deal worth a reported fee of £4.5m.

During his time at the club, the striker racked up 25 goals in 74 appearances across all competitions before joining Newcastle United in 2016 for a fee of £10m.

Since becoming a Toon player, the 32-year-old, who is currently picking up a weekly wage of £37k-per-week according to Salary Sport, has scored 34 goals in 118 appearances, with 23 of them coming in the Championship during the 2016/17 season.

In 2018, the former Palace gem joined West Bromwich Albion on loan from the Tyneside club, where, despite scoring 23 goals in 39 Championship games, he was slammed for getting sent off in the first leg of their play-off semi-final against Aston Villa, which was described as being an “absolute disaster” by Andy Hinchcliffe.

With just 28 minutes of Premier League action under his belt from four substitute appearances this season, the Englishman’s market value currently stands at just £1.8m according to Transfermarkt, showing a massive decrease of 82% from the £10m transfer fee that Palace received for him.

Taking all of this into account, it’s safe to say that the Eagles pulled a blinder by selling Gayle to Newcastle and making a profit on him at the same time based on the lack of regular goals and assists that he’s delivered for them in the top division.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Moving forward, given his lack of game time with the Magpies in this campaign, it could be worth the striker looking to join another club that would be able to give him regular minutes, whether that be in the Premier League, Championship or elsewhere.

In other news: Forget Zaha: Palace “star” with 54 tackles has been Vieira’s most “important player” – opinion

At the age of 16 years and 236 days, a record was broken in north London but sadly it wasn’t for Tottenham Hotspur.

A young player by the name of Reece Oxford took to the turf of the Emirates Stadium where he faced Spurs’ great rivals, Arsenal, in the claret and blue of West Ham United.

It was a moment that has gone down in history and is the very definition of a ‘streets won’t forget’ moment in the Premier League era.

Oxford became one of the Hammers’ youngest ever players and in the Premier League’s existence, he was the eighth youngest ever.

The sad thing is, that debut could well have been for Spurs.

Indeed, in a parallel universe somewhere Oxford is the pride and joy of the Tottenham Hotspur stadium but in reality, he’s now playing for Augsburg in the Bundesliga.

Once upon a time, the 23-year-old was on the books of Spurs but left for nothing all the way back when he was just 13, being rejected by those within the academy.

Since then, his value has continued to rocket and since his debut in 2015, a match where he in the words of German outlet Kicker, he “pocketed” a prime Mesut Ozil, his estimations have increased the best part of a whopping 966%.

It has to be said that Oxford’s career hasn’t quite lived up to the hype since that famous display in Islington and although he wouldn’t now get in the Spurs first XI, the decision to reject him all those years ago is clearly a mistake.

West Ham know how to spot a young player when they see one but he is undoubtedly a player the Lilywhites could have utilised themselves or fetched a pretty eye-catching sum of money for.

Described as “truly astonishing” by Gary Lineker following his debut against the Gunners, it was thought that Oxford would go from strength to strength. However, despite his meteoric rise in transfer value, he is now battling against the odds to live up to his early promise.

He has appeared in all but four of Augsburg’s league matches this term due to injury but is now finally starting to make a name for himself again.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The titanic 6 foot 4 centre half has shown astute defensive qualities, winning 2.8 aerial battles a game and 2.8 interceptions per match.

As a result, the youngster has now played more senior matches this term than any other campaign during his career.

On the evidence above, suggesting Tottenham should have kept for a little while longer is an easy argument to make; he could have made Levy millions.

AND in other news, Conte could unearth his next Eriksen at Tottenham by unleashing 17 y/o “whole package”…

Arsenal will still be without first-choice right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu this afternoon…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Premier League injury expert Ben Dinnery, who relayed key information from Mikel Arteta’s pre-game press conference ahead of today’s clash with Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium.

“Takehiro Tomiyasu continues to be hampered by an ongoing calf complaint,” he tweeted alongside comments from the Spanish head coach. “We’re still assessing him because we’re taking some time to protect him.”

Huge blow

The Japan international has been absent for each of their last five top-flight outings with a pair of injuries to both his calves.

Now valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, the 23-year-old has proven to be a reliable and influential member of not just the Gunners’ defence but the squad as a whole.

He is one of the many summer signings to have helped completely transform the team and their fortunes on the pitch.

Whilst Arsenal have plenty of games in hand on their nearby rivals, this encounter is pivotal in the race for the top four as three points would see them leapfrog Manchester United, who defeated Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening, into fourth place.

They would then only be a handful of points behind third-placed Chelsea with a couple of games in hand.

Their chances of success against a Foxes side who have turned a corner in recent weeks is made difficult without Tomiyasu’s influence down the right flank.

As per WhoScored, he currently ranks as their fourth-best performer on the campaign so far, only bettered by Hale End duo Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, and assist-king Alexandre Lacazette.

No one is winning more aerial duels (2.7 per game) or tackles (1.9 per game) in the current Gunners squad, whilst 0.7 key passes and crosses per outing suggests he can have some involvement in the final third, too.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“Tomi is amazing. He’s the best right-back I’ve ever played with. He’s always focused. It’s an honour to play next to him,” teammate Benjamin White told DAZN Japan earlier in the year.

On the above evidence, still not having the Japanese right-back available is certainly going to be a gutting blow to Arteta.

AND in other news, Signed for £30m, now worth £59m: Edu struck gold on “incredible” £79k-p/w “baller”…

Leeds United duo Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper could both return from injury for the Whites’ Premier League clash with Wolves on Friday evening.

The Lowdown: Leeds face huge game

The Whites face yet another vital match in their quest to avoid relegation, with an impressive eighth-placed Wanderers outfit making the trip to Elland Road.

Last weekend’s 2-1 victory at home to Norwich City was a massive moment in Leeds’ season but more positive results are required in order to avoid the drop, with Everton grabbing three points of their own on Thursday evening.

Phillips and Cooper haven’t yet featured at all in 2022, but in a huge boost, that could be about to change.

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]

The Latest: Double injury boost

Taking to Twitter on Thursday, journalist Phil Hay confirmed that the key Leeds duo are back in training ahead of the game, with Jesse Marsch describing it as ‘big’:

“Jesse Marsch talking at his press conference – Phillips and Cooper both back in training and potentially available for tomorrow.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-38/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Massive news for Marsch

Phillips and Cooper have been two of the star men at Leeds in the last four or five years, with both playing such big roles in them returning to the Premier League.

The former has matured into one of England’s key men and has been a huge miss in midfield, while captain Cooper – Leeds’ second best player this campaign according to Whoscored match ratings – has also been a big loss, with the Whites conceding 65 goals in 29 league matches this season.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

While a start may come too soon for Phillips and Cooper against Wolves, having them back in the fold in any capacity is absolutely enormous and a cameo appearance can’t be ruled out. They will be vital in helping Marsch’s side hopefully pull clear of safety.

In other news, one Leeds player could miss out against Wolves, though. Read more here.

After joining Celtic on a season-long loan deal last August, Jota rather quickly established himself as a first-team regular at Parkhead, with the 22-year-old turning in a number of highly impressive performances for Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Indeed, the Portugal U21 international has so far scored ten goals and registered ten assists over his 32 appearances for the Hoops, leading to widespread calls for the Celtic board to activate their option to buy clause for the Benfica starlet – believed to be worth around £6.5m.

However, as the forward’s form has dropped off somewhat since the turn of the year, with the £18.5k-per-week dynamo currently being on a run of 15 games in which he has scored just two goals, would it still be wise for Postecoglou to make a move for Jota this summer? Our writers give their verdicts below…

Matt Dawson

“If Celtic can get a deal across the line for Jota then it would be a seriously eye-catching signing. Ange Postecoglou hasn’t been afraid to dip his toe into the market since becoming Hoops boss but this would undoubtedly be his best piece of business yet.

“Forget Kyogo, forget Reo Hatate and forget Cameron Carter-Vickers. All of them have been superb in the green and white but none possess the quite frightening potential that Jota has in his locker.

“Capable of opening up the sternest of defences, the Portuguese dynamo has racked up 20 goal involvements in all competitions this term, showcasing his stunning ability in the final third.

“Like McGeady, he can leave the full-back in a spin and it would not be a surprise if, further down the line, he sources a transfer fee that eclipses that of £25m Kieran Tierney and £13m Virgil van Dijk when they left Parkhead.

“A mesmerising talent who is taking Scottish football by storm in his debut campaign, a deal simply must be completed this summer to take Celtic on a further gear under Postecoglou.”

Vijievan Jeevathayalan

“Getting Jota in on a permanent deal should be an absolute no-brainer for Ange Postecoglou.

“The Portuguese wizard has fans on the edge of their seats with his close control and skilful dribbling, and it’s no surprise that, among his current teammates, he ranks second and third for dribbles and key passes per game this season.

“The Hoops have already had a small taster of what Jota can bring to the table, and ensuring he stays on a permanent basis would be a masterstroke from Ange.

“If Celtic are intent on creating a new era of dominance in Scottish football, then having quality players like Jota in the fold, is what will scare their rivals.

“Indeed, with a full league campaign under his belt, he’d light up Celtic Park even more than he already has.”

James Thompson

“Jota has already proven during his time at Celtic exactly what he offers the side in terms of intense attacking play and plenty of goals and assists – making it a no brainer for the club to try and sign him permanently.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“With a higher average of shots per game in the Scottish Premiership than the likes of Liel Abada, Kyogo Furuhashi and Giorgos Giakoumakis this season, the Portuguese starlet has what it takes to terrorise teams in Scotland and Europe for years to come.

“Looking to the summer transfer window, signing Jota on a permanent deal would undoubtedly have the Parkhead faithful buzzing and give Ange Postecoglou a deadly attacking option in his squad moving forward.”

AND in other news: £3.5m down the drain: Celtic’s “rank rotten” £43k-p/w “passenger” rinsed Peter Lawwell

According to a report in the paper edition of Sport, via Sport Witness, there has been a transfer update out of Tottenham Hotspur as manager Antonio Conte seemingly re-ignites interest in Adama Traore.

The Lowdown: Spurs come close…

The Spaniard, who ended up signing for Barcelona on loan in the latter stages of January, was a rather public target for Spurs and Conte as the Lilywhites head coach sought a new right-wing-back.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-newest-updates/” title=”Tottenham newest updates…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Reliable reports indicated that Tottenham’s manager was chasing Traore and aimed to transform the Spain international into a makeshift full-back (The Athletic).

GiveMeSport revealed just how close the Lilywhites came to signing the winger as personal terms were apparently completed.

Indeed, according to their information, Fabio Paratici and co shook hands on an agreement to make Traore one of the club’s highest paid players on a £120,000-per-week salary – but that ultimately wasn’t enough to seal his move as Barca eventually hijacked the deal.

Now, however, it appears Spurs and by extension Conte have re-ignited their interest.

 The Latest: Conte eyes Traore move…

Indeed, Sport (via SW) claim Tottenham are interested in signing Traore yet again with Barcelona not ready to pay the fee to sign him permanently from Wolves.

It is claimed Conte’s side are one of the clubs on ‘lookout’ over his situation at the La Liga giants and are ‘waiting’ to see how things unfold regarding his future.

The Verdict: Re-join the hunt?

As Spurs keep watch over Traore, potentially having another chance to sign him this summer, the fact his deal at Molineux expires at the end of next season could hand Paratici and a really strong negotiating hand.

It is feasible to believe Tottenham could significantly wiggle down his estimated £25.2 million market valuation given Wolves will have just two windows to make any profit off of his sale.

And the Spaniard would arguably strengthen Conte’s options, especially considering how much he has impressed in the Europa League with Barca since signing in the winter window.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

He’s notched two assists in the competition so far whilst ranking in as their second-best performer going by average match rating (7.12, WhoScored).

Traore’s also completed more successful take-ons on average (3.5) than any Catalans star in Europe, putting real emphasis on his creativity going forward and leaving little wonder pundit Noel Whelan said he’s a ‘game-changer’ and the ‘perfect fit’ for Conte (Football Insider).

In other news: Tottenham attempts to seal mega-money agreement take new step after major off-field development, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur moved into the Premier League’s top four with a resounding win over Newcastle United on Sunday evening.

It was the visitors who took a surprise early lead after centre-back Fabian Schar curled in a free-kick that goalkeeper Hugo Lloris really should’ve dealt with better.

But Spurs hit back instantly through Ben Davies, who glanced home a cross from Heung-min Son. Matt Doherty then met Harry Kane’s ball in after the break before Son notched their third.

By the hour mark, things got even better, and it was another wing-back on the scoresheet in Emerson Royal, tapping home from close range. Late substitute Steven Bergwijn finished the rout with his fourth goal in under ten days, across both international and domestic matches.

Despite not getting on the scoresheet, it was leading talisman Kane who took home the ‘Man of the Match’ award but ultimately, any of the aforementioned named could’ve taken the crown, as could Cristian Romero.

The Argentina centre-back was an absolute “animal” for the north Londoners, just as teammate Pierluigi Gollini described him as back in September, also claiming that he was “perfect” for the Premier League.

Indeed, he has been showing that all campaign but this outing was particularly impressive, even if Newcastle rarely threatened.

As per SofaScore, Romero won a whopping match-high seven tackles, which was three more than any other player on the pitch and more than his defensive peers combined.

He also won eight of his ten ground duels (80%) and one aerial duel, as well as one clearance and one block too, proving to be a big influence defensively but the £36m-rated colossus was also cool and collected on the ball, making 94% of his 82 passing attempts.

Romero was frequently involved, often starting many of their attacks, having recorded the second-highest number of touches (94), also via SofaScore.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

‘Another dominant performance. Denied Joe Willock a certain goal with a flying block and lifted the crowd with two crunching tackles of Allan Saint-Maximin,’ described Evening Standard reporter Dan Kilpatrick in his post-match ratings, where the 23-year-old was graded a nine out of ten – tied with Kane, Doherty and Son.

On the above evidence, it’s hard to argue against Romero being a hero on the day. His aggression in defence and ball-playing ability makes him a hugely exciting talent and one that Spurs, and manager Antonio Conte, absolutely delighted to have him at the club.

AND in other news, Levy had a Spurs nightmare on £204.2m “alien” who has “magic in his boots”…

The goal for Arsenal this season has to be to finally get their hands on the Premier League title.

Mikel Arteta’s side finished the last three campaigns in second place and have been building towards finally getting over the line.

However, while the fans and team will be focused on the here and now, the board and powers that be have to take a longer-term view and plan for the next squad and the one after that.

It’s this approach that has seen the club sign one of the most exciting youngsters in the game, a player who could provide Arsenal’s own Ethan Nwaneri with real competition for the ten position a few years from now.

The future of Arsenal's ten position

After years of building it, Arsenal finally have a squad in which most positions have at least two players competing for a place.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Expand Collapse

This is especially true when it comes to attacking midfield.

The two main competitors for that role this season have been and will likely continue to be Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze.

The former has held the position for the last few years but had an underwhelming campaign last year, registering just 18 goal involvements in 45 games.

Eze, on the other hand, racked up a brilliant haul of 25 goal involvements in 43 games for Crystal Palace in the ten role last year.

Neither one has genuinely made the position their own this season, but the Englishman has been more productive, racking up seven goal involvements there to his captain’s two.

Both players will need to start improving, though, as within a year or two they are likely to face more serious competition for gametime from Hale End stars Nwaneri and Dowman.

Nwaneri in 24/25

Appearances

37

Minutes

1378′

Goals

9

Assists

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.29

Minutes per Goal Involvement

125.27′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

The former spent most of last season on the right, where he scored nine goals and provided two assists in 37 appearances, but is mainly seen as a number ten.

The latter, while still just 15, is seen as one of the best prospects to ever come through the club’s academy, where he once again spent most of his time playing in attacking midfield.

Overall, the future of Arsenal’s number ten position is hugely promising, and now, thanks to Andrea Berta and Co, another incredible talent will be competing to play there, which could be bad news for Nwaneri.

Arsenal's new Dowman-like Gem

With people like talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbing Dowman “the most exciting prospect” they’ve seen “since Lamine Yamal,” you have to be pretty special to be compared to him.

Fortunately, from what those in the know say, Holger Quintero seems more than special enough to warrant that comparison.

Arsenal completed the signing of the 16-year-old wonderkid and his twin brother earlier this month, but, due to rules on foreign-born youngsters, neither will be able to join the first team until they’re 18, in 2027.

The good news is that it will just give them more time to develop away from the spotlight.

Although, based on what is being said about them, like Dowman, they’d probably be able to feature on the snore side this season.

Subscribe to our newsletter for Arsenal youth insights Dive deeper into Arsenal’s emerging talents by subscribing to our newsletter — in-depth prospect profiles, development tracking and tactical context to follow the club’s next generation and transfer planning. Subscribe Subscribe to our newsletter for Arsenal youth insights Dive deeper into Arsenal’s emerging talents by subscribing to our newsletter — in-depth prospect profiles, development tracking and tactical context to follow the club’s next generation and transfer planning.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

For example, respected analyst-turned-scout Ben Mattinson has described Holger as “a decisive creator with a killer final ball” who has “excellent vision to see the whole game” but also “1v1 prowess to take on players.”

As if that wasn’t enough, Kulig has described the teenager as “one of the most exciting U17s in South America,” which is high praise indeed considering the level of talent coming out of the continent.

Finally, on top of everything else, U23 scout Antonio Mango described him as someone blessed with “high technical & intellect qualities.”

In all, the Ecuadorian wonderkid sounds like the perfect ten prospect, someone who can create chances through a brilliant range of passing, or be the goal threat himself due to his elite close control.

However, while the 16-year-old is unlikely to develop quickly enough to be a genuine rival for Odegaard and Eze, it seems he’ll be competing for game time with Dowman and Nwaneri.

Ultimately, while some might worry about the impact he could have on the two Hale Enders, finding enough game time for all three teenagers is a problem Arteta and Arsenal will probably be glad to have.

Related Arsenal can revive Gyokeres by signing "the best winger in the country"

The international game-changer could be just the player Arsenal needs to get Gyokeres firing.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes