Arsenal News: Gunners send scouts to watch 'Granit Xhaka replacement' Manuel Ugarte
- Zak Anderton
- 22 April 2023
Arsenal are looking to bolster their midfield in summer and have sent scouts to watch Sporting CP star, Manuel Ugarte.
Manuel Ugarte is not a name that many will have heard of - though that hasn't stopped Arsenal from taking a good long look at the midfielder.
The Sporting player burst onto the scene this season, becoming the anchor of Ruben Amorim's team.
The Uruguay International has been everpresent within Amorim's team and has made 26 appearances across all competitions so far.
During that time, he hasn't contributed to any goals, although this isn't the reason he is one of the most sought-after midfielders in world football.
His defensive capabilities are what make him stand out amongst the crowd as his tackles and passing are often shared across social media.
As a result of his stellar performances, Arsenal have reportedly sent their scouts to watch him in an effort to find out more about the 22-year-old ahead of the transfer window.
The 22-year-old would be an ideal understudy to either Thomas Partey or Granit Xhaka.
Within his current contract lies a £53.5million release clause that can be triggered by any club that wishes to do so.
This fee is likely to be much more attainable than what Arsenal's main target, Declan Rice, would cost.
However, the fee is still quite high for a relatively unproven midfielder.
What's more, Arsenal are not the only club rumoured to be in the running to sign Ugarte this summer.
Teams such as, Liverpool, Tottenham and Leeds are all looking to bolster their midfield in the coming transfer window.
As he is still only 22, the midfielder would have a lot of room to develop and could be forged into something spectacular.
He would be an ideal addition to Arsenal's squad as he and Albert Sambi Lokonga could form a partnership for years to come.
As previously mentioned, he has a release clause of £53.5million but his current market value is around £20million so a negotation for a lower deal could be reached.
