
Arsenal has a long-standing reputation for developing young talent, whether through its academy or by recruiting promising prospects from around the world. Players such as Ethan Nwaneri, Emile Smith Rowe, and Bukayo Saka are prime examples of the club’s ability to nurture talent from its youth system, while stars like Cesc Fàbregas and Gabriel Martinelli demonstrate the effectiveness of identifying and signing emerging prospects.
This philosophy of fostering future stars rather than solely focusing on expensive signings is central to Arsenal’s identity.
Recently, Arsenal has been linked to another highly-rated young player, William Gomes, an 18-year-old sensation from São Paulo, Brazil. Known for his skill and creativity, Gomes has been compared to Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal.
According to a report from Caught Offside, both Arsenal and Chelsea have dispatched scouts to observe the Brazilian prodigy. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, underscoring Gomes’ potential as a top-tier player.
However, a significant hurdle in pursuing Gomes is his reported €120 million (£96 million) release clause for non-Brazilian clubs, making an immediate transfer financially challenging.
Despite this, his remarkable potential makes him a worthwhile target for Arsenal, aligning with the club’s tradition of investing in young talent. Even if securing his signature proves difficult in the short term, his abilities make him an appealing prospect for the future.
Arsenal U23 scout Antonio Mango has described Gomes as a “dribbling monster,” emphasizing his extraordinary skill and control on the ball, likened to that of Yamal.
Similarly, talent scout Jacek Kulig has praised Gomes for his exceptional dribbling and ball-handling abilities, highlighting these attributes as key aspects of his game.
Supporting these observations, statistical data from FBref places Gomes among the top 8% of attacking midfielders and wingers for progressive carries and in the top 11% for successful take-ons per 90 minutes. These metrics reflect his dynamic playing style and underscore his potential to excel at the highest level.
In keeping with Arsenal’s commitment to cultivating young players, Gomes represents an exciting opportunity. While his release clause presents a significant obstacle, his immense talent and promise make him a player worth monitoring closely.
Should Arsenal succeed in bringing him on board, Gomes could become a valuable addition to the club’s tradition of developing world-class talent.
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