According to Corriere Dello Sport, Arsenal are in the hunt for Ebrima Darboe. The AS Roma midfielder has emerged as the latest target for the north London giants and also for Tottenham. Although the Giallorossi have no intention of selling their prized asset, the Gunners could be ready to step up their pursuit, as Mikel Arteta hopes for reinforcements in the midfield unit.
Who Is Ebrima Darboe?
A native of The Gambia, Ebrima Darnboe joined AS Roma at the start of 2019 as a free agent. He has been playing in the Primavera since, featuring in over 50 matches for Roma’s youth side, until becoming a part of the senior squad this month.
The 19-year-old has already featured in four Serie A matches, impressing the onlookers with his charisma in possession as well as the ability to control the game in the middle of the park. He does indeed have a calmness and composure about his play that makes the youngster such a sought-after player in Rome.
During his time in the Primavera, Darboe made a huge impact with his darting runs from midfield to catch the opponents off guard. In fact, the defensive midfielder is known for his ability to move forward with the ball.
It is also the same reason that the Gambian can play in a more advanced role if required – making him a well-rounded number six for Roma, especially considering the limited opportunities he has had at the highest level of football.
Should Arsenal Sign Darboe This Summer?
Ebrima Darboe’s rise to prominence is one inspiring story, and the midfielder may well become the next big thing in Gambian football. Investing in the Roma midfielder, therefore, could always be a smart idea for an Arsenal side that already lacks depth in the midfield unit.
Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi are both expected to leave Emirates in the summer, while Dani Ceballos should return to Real Madrid following the end of his loan spell. It leaves Arteta with Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey as the only reliable options in the middle of the park.
Darboe, in that regard, should become an interesting backup for Arteta. His calmness in possession is something that is highly valued by the Spanish tactician as well, while the club’s lack of depth may even pave the way for the 19-year-old to earn a prominent role in Arsenal’s first-team plans next season.
Unfortunately for the Gunners, however, Darboe could be a difficult target this summer, with Roma unwilling to let go of the youngster. The player himself owes a lot to Italy for giving him the opportunity to become a professional footballer, so it will be surprising to see Darboe leaving Stadio Olimpico anytime soon.
