After an already busy transfer window for Unai Emery and Arsenal making 5 purchases, bringing in Stephan Lichsteiner, Bernd Leno, Sokratis, Lucas Torreira and most recently Matteo Guendozi as well as some youth signings.
However, according to reports in Portuguese publication O Jogo, there could be one more signing yet, Diogo Leite.
The North London club are interested in signing the defender, but the main factor going against signing the player looks to be his rather sizable €15m release clause, which is also reportedly putting off English rivals Liverpool, who are also keen to sign the player.
The Gunners have also been linked with the player since May, as the club were reportedly willing to pay his release clause but reports in Guardian then claimed that Liverpool would beat them to his signature.
The center back stands at just over 6 foot, and at the age of 19, could be an impressive asset to the team in years to come.
Currently playing for FC Porto B in the Portuguese second division the young defender has made a total of 34 appearances for his side this year, and looks to be a key player for the side if he is not brought up to the Porto first team or sold.
The youth player has already made an appearance at the Emirates when he played the Arsenal u23 side in the Premier League International Cup final, which the Porto B team ended up winning, keeping a clean sheet in the process.
When asked to describe his playing style, Leite said “I’m always very focused, I’m aggressive in the duels, I always try to play the best and disarm, I think I’m strong,”
This strong and aggressive outlook is absolutely vital in the Premier League and it shows the player could add some brilliant extra depth in the season to come.
Whether Emery will make a move or not is hard to tell, the new Spanish manager does seem to place a large amount of value in bringing in young talent, but a €15m price tag is a heavy burden given the Gunners have already spent upwards of £70m this transfer window.
