According to AS, Arsenal are among the clubs keeping an eye on Cesar Gelabert. The Real Madrid youth player has attracted a lot of interest across Europe, with his current contract expiring in 2021. Indeed, the Premier League giants are joined by Borussia Dortmund and Olympique Lyon, who have even submitted a bid which has been rejected by Real Madrid for the player.
Who is Cesar Gelabert?
Gelabert has been a part of the Real Madrid youth setup since 2015. It was only last summer when he received a promotion to the RM Castilla side, after impressing the onlookers in the youth competitions. He also featured for the Spanish team in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in India about three years ago.
An attacking midfielder by trade, Gelabert is primarily known for his technical prowess. As you would expect from any Spaniard, he has exquisite footwork and can easily nestle through tight spaces. He can also carry the ball across the half-spaces and create chances for his team.
The 19-year-old boasts a relatively tall 1.82m frame but is still capable of bamboozling the opposing defenders with his clever turns and movements. He can also play quick one-touch football in the dangerous areas of the pitch – making him a traditional number ten.
Does Gelabert have a future at Real Madrid?
Real Madrid are poised to undergo a major squad overhaul in the summer. The likes of Isco and James Rodriguez have not been able to provide the goods while Marco Asensio has struggled with injuries. Despite that, however, it is unlikely Gelabert will be given a chance to make an impact in the first-team.
The young Spaniard, if he does extend his contract, will most likely be sent out on loan. And this could serve as an ideal opportunity for Arsenal to offer him a lucrative deal, convincing him to switch to the Premier League on a permanent basis.
Why Arsenal should sign Gelabert
Arsenal should prepare themselves to make the much-needed transition under Mikel Arteta. It certainly means old guards like Mesut Ozil needs to depart to pave the way for younger individuals, who can emerge as the face of the club’s offensive unit in the near future.
Gelabert, in that regard, is an ideal target. The Spaniard lacks experience at the highest level of football. But, he can slowly be groomed into a perfect long-term replacement for Ozil if Arteta does consider him as the primary alternative for the German playmaker next season.
Moreover, the fact that Gelabert’s extension with Real Madrid expires soon means that he could be available for a cut-price – making him a smart long-term investment for the Gunners.
