Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have set their sights on FC Porto’s Evanilson, who has been dubbed ‘the next Robert Lewandowski’ due to his all-round contributions.
This is as per reports from FootballTransfers, which have added that the Gunners are keen to onboard the Brazilian to solve their goalmouth woes.
Evanilson is a product of Fluminense’s famed academy, where he came through the ranks between 2013-18. This earned him a €8.8 million move to Porto in 2020, where he has taken it to the next level. In 134 appearances for the club so far, he has bagged 51 goals and 19 assists. However, this season, he has been incredible.
The 24-year-old has scored 16 goals and provided five assists in just 23 appearances across competitions. This is the best start a season he has made at any club in his short career so far.
The Brazilian stands at nearly six feet tall and has a multi-dimensional style of play. Evanilson can link-up play well to bring his teammates into the game. He also possesses enough pace to run at defenders and take them on himself. The striker is also two-footed and is barely distinguishable as someone who favors one foot over the other.
Arsenal have already done business with FC Porto in recent times, having signed Fabio Vieira for €40 million in July 2022. However, Evanilson is currently valued at nearly half that at €20 million by Transfermarkt.
The Gunners will have to work a lot behind the scenes to free up their wage budget to accommodate another long-term contract. The player could be tempted to join a young and diverse side. Additionally, the presence of Arsenal’s three Gabriels could help progress the move quicker.
FC Porto are currently third in Liga Portugal and are four points adrift of Sporting CP in first place. It is unlikely they will sell their striker in the middle of the season, but a summer move could still be a possibility.
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