Gabriel Veron of Brazil in action a FIFA Under-17 Men's World Cup match against Mexico at the Bezerrao Stadium in Gama, Brasilia, Brazil, last year. (Getty Images)
According to ESPN Brazil (h/t Metro), Arsenal are keeping close tabs on Brazilian youngster Gabriel Veron.
Teenager Veron, who won’t be 18 until September this year, has garnered a lot of attention after breaking into Palmeiras first-team this season.
Veron is already a hot property in his native Brazil after helping their under-17 national side emerge as champions in the 2019 World Cup held in home soil. An undisputed starter during the competition, Veron scored three goals and provided as many assists to bag the Golden Ball.
In terms of club appearance, Veron made his first-team debut for Palmeiras in the Brazilian top-flight in their 1-0 away loss against Fluminense last November.
To date, he has made four appearances in total for the senior side and has two goals and one assist to his name. Having proved his potential at such a young age, there seems to be no doubt that Veron is a star in the making.
Arsenal, who are interested in Veron, have as many as six attackers in the mix. The Gunners already have star forwards like Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette to spearhead their attack.
They also have Nicolas Pepe and youngsters such as Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah, and Reiss Nelson in the squad. Talismanic striker Aubameyang faces an uncertain future at the Emirates with the Gunners skipper attracting interest from some top clubs in Europe.
Lacazette, on the other hand, has been far from impressive managing just 7 league goals this term. However, Aubameyang and Lacazette are more of forwards than wingers. As of now, only Pepe and Nelson are the side’s outright wingers while Martinelli is also another option.
Pepe was Arsenal’s record signing and he is sure to feature in Arteta’s plans for next season. Nelson, on the other hand, is young and lacks experience.
Apart from these two, Arsenal only have Martinelli. Hence, roping in Veron seems like a wise option. Chances of Veron getting first-team action look limited at the moment but he surely would be a good future investment if bought.
Having proved his potential in the youth level tournaments, there is no doubt that Veron has the talent to succeed. Moreover, with the side currently having just three wingers, Veron’s arrival will offer Arteta more options to use in the flanks. Hence, Arsenal should rope in the talented teenager sooner than later.