Teenage striker Edoly Lukoki Mateso has been sensational for the under-17 Nantes side this season, scoring 12 goals and assisting 11 times. (Image Credits: Foot Mercato)
According to French publication FootMercato (h/t Express), Arsenal are considering a move for Nantes teenager Edoly Lukoki Mateso.
Touted to be a future star, Mateso has caught the eye of several clubs in Europe after scoring 12 goals and providing 11 assists for the club’s U-17 side this season. (h/t Express)
Despite just being 16 years old, Mateso has already given a glimpse of his potential by excelling for Nantes youth side. His impressive displays for the club’s U-17 side has now earned him a place within the France U-16 squad.
With young Mateso’s attacking abilities in front of goal attracting scouts from across Europe, many English clubs have now lined up for his signature. Among these are North London side Arsenal, who are in the lookout for promising young talents for the future. (h/t Express)
The recent financial implications of the coronavirus crisis has put many clubs including Arsenal in a spot of bother. Due to this, they will be looking at cheaper alternatives ahead of the transfer window.
That said, rising talent Mateso would be a viable option for the future for Arsenal, as he has already proved himself at the youth level with Nantes.
Arsenal have made it a habit of recruiting young and promising talents from around the world of late. In recent years, they have roped in players like Gabriel Martinelli and Matteo Guendouzi for relatively low prices.
The two youngsters, who cost Arsenal a combined £13m have gone on to become key players for the side this season. 18-year-old Martinelli, who arrived last summer from Brazil has been an instant hit, scoring an impressive 10 goals and giving four assists from 26 games in his maiden season.
Guendouzi, who moved to the Emirates from FC Lorient in 2018, has become a regular feature within the side. He has already played 80 matches for them across all competitions.
Both the youngsters have excelled in such a short span of time, having arrived for a considerably lower price. Similarly, Arsenal would stand to benefit from making a move for teenager Mateso. A proven performer for the Nantes U-17 side, the striker would, thus, be a good signing by the Gunners for the future.
Arsenal’s main forwards Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (30) and Alexandre Lacazette (29) are not getting any younger. Hence, it would bode well for Arsenal to sign a young upcoming striker like Mateso. It will keep their squad well-stacked for the future. Moreover, he is still in his teens and can develop even better under Arteta’s guidance. Hence, they should make a move for Mateso.
