According to The Sun, Arsenal have expressed interest in Matchoi Djalo. The Pacos Ferreira youngster is available for just £1 million this summer, with his current contract at the club expiring at the end of next season. It has put the Gunners on red alert as they look to further improve their ranks in the youth department.
Who Is Matchoi Djalo?
A native of Guinea Bissau, Matchoi Djalo began his youth career in Academia Mabodja before arriving at Pacos Ferreira in 2017. He was eventually promoted to the senior side in 2019, thanks to impressive performances in the youth competitions.
Djalo made his debut for Pacos Ferreira in August 2019, at the age of just 16 years and 122 days – becoming the youngest player to ever appear in Liga Primeira. Unfortunately, the 18-year-old’s progress has since taken a disappointing halt, with the player struggling to muster regular first-team opportunities.
A right-winger by trade, Djalo has made only eight competitive appearances for Pacos Ferreira in two years. But that hasn’t stopped other clubs from eyeing a move for him this season, particularly due to the youngster’s dynamic style of play and the ability to effortlessly drift past opposition defenders.
Djalo offers a lot of versatility to the table as well, with the teenage sensation capable of operating in the attacking midfield position. It makes him a well-rounded attacking prospect, despite the halt in his progress in recent years.
How Does He Fit In At Arsenal?
Matchoi Djalo is unlikely to be drafted right into the Arsenal first-team, as he does require some much-needed game-time in order to make himself useful at the highest level of football.
But the Pacos Ferreira teenager should be an exciting addition to the reserve side next season. The Gunners have had a lot of success nurturing their young players recently, with players like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe all becoming a crucial component in Mikel Arteta’s first-team setup lately.
Djalo has the credentials to do so as well, having showcased immense potential during his time in Portugal. It might require some time for him to settle into life in England, but his trickery, pace and versatility make him an interesting prospect for Arsenal’s youth academy.
As such, the north London giants should definitely pounce on the opportunity to sign the forward this summer. At the age of just 18, he has time on his side and for a fee of just £1 million, he might be a smart long-term investment for the club.
