Arsenal Eyeing Benfica Starlet Ahead Of Summer Window – Report

Benfica starlet Jota is highly-rated and is linked with a move to north London…

Arsenal are reportedly battling with north London neighbours Tottenham Hotspur for Benfica starlet Jota ahead of what looks to be a crucial summer window, The Telegraph reports.

The 19-year-old forward broke into the first-team this season and has only made three appearances, with the latest one coming in last week’s Europa League tie against Dinamo Zagreb.

Able to operate from the left or through the middle, Jason Burt reports that there were scouts present at the Estadio Sport to see the youngster in action.

According to the report, Jota has a €30m release clause in his contract and Benfica have stated that triggering that clause will be the only way their star youngsters depart.

It’s interesting to know who’s actually drawing up our list of targets ahead of the summer transfer window following the sudden departure of head of recruitment, Sven Mislintat.

The German guru was at the club for just over 12 months and after the departure of Ivan Gazidis, it seems he didn’t see eye-to-eye with the head of football Raul Sanllehi.

Mislintat is yet to be replaced despite the Spanish chief claiming that he was looking for a director of football to help him with recruitment.

One name to cross off that list is Monchi who, having been linked with the role after leaving Roma, has returned to his former club Sevilla.

Adding a wide-forward is something we desperately need at the club though, and one hopes we have the resources available to strengthen many different areas.