FIRST TARGET: Arsenal are preparing to SPEND BIG to bring in ‘dribbling monster’ Lamine Yamal from Barcelona!

Arsenal has a strong tradition of developing young talents, whether through their academy with players like Ethan Nwaneri, Emile Smith Rowe, and Bukayo Saka, or by recruiting promising prospects such as Cesc Fàbregas and Gabriel Martinelli. A core aspect of the club’s philosophy is nurturing future superstars rather than relying solely on big-money signings.

It’s no surprise that Arsenal is now linked with another exciting young talent, this time an 18-year-old from São Paulo, Brazil, named William Gomes, who has drawn comparisons to Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. According to a report from *Caught Offside*, Arsenal and Chelsea have both sent scouts to observe Gomes, receiving positive feedback on his performances.

Although his current contract reportedly includes a €120m (£96m) release clause for clubs outside Brazil, such a high fee makes a potential transfer unlikely for now. However, Gomes’ immense potential makes him a worthwhile target for Arsenal, even if signing him may prove challenging.

Antonio Mango, an Arsenal U23 scout, described Gomes as a “dribbling monster,” highlighting his exceptional abilities on the ball, comparable to those of Yamal. Talent scout Jacek Kulig also praised Gomes’ “dribbling” and “ball control” as standout attributes. Statistical analysis supports these observations, with FBref placing Gomes in the top 8% of attacking midfielders and wingers for progressive carries and the top 11% for successful take-ons per 90 minutes, emphasizing his similarity to the Barcelona prodigy.