Back in 2003, Manchester United took a chance on a Portuguese teenager with impressive footwork and parlayed that move into 10 trophies in six years. Now, Arsenal and Manchester United have set their sights on Goncalo Guedes, a Benfica teen some have called ‘the next Cristiano Ronaldo’.
According to the Metro, Arsenal are pursuing a deal with Benfica for the 18-year-old winger but are also facing possible competition from United and Manchester City, who have both reportedly sent scouts to watch Guedes.
Guedes has scored twice in his last three appearances and has played at least 75 minutes in his last five. One of the criticisms levelled at the player, however, has been his lack of caps with Portugal.
The Metro noted that the reported asking price of £40 million is off-putting for the three Premier League giants, as the mark would shatter the transfer record for a teenager set by Man United for Anthony Martial at £36 million this past summer.
However, if history is any indicator, breaking the transfer record for a teenager has paid solid dividends in the past. Manchester United broke the teenage transfer record three times since 2004 – for Wayne Rooney, Luke Shaw and Martial, all of whom quickly emerged as top players at their respective positions.
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