According to Globo Esporte, Arsenal are monitoring the progress of Yuri Alberto. The Internacional striker has been on the agenda of the Gunners for a long time now, but a move to Europe has eluded him. That could change in the summer, with Arsenal joined by various other top clubs including Barcelona in the pursuit of Alberto, who is valued at around €15 million, potentially reaching up to €20 million.
Who Is Yuri Alberto?
A product of the famed Santos youth academy, Yuri Alberto is being considered as one of the rising stars in Brazilian football. The forward initially arrived at Internacional last summer, when he was still courted by Arsenal.
The youngster made his professional breakthrough at Internacional, featuring in 23 league games last year. He netted nine goals as well, helping his club finish second in the league, narrowly missing out on the title to Flamengo.
This year, Alberto has scored four goals in 13 appearances in Campeonato Gaucho. He has impressed the onlookers with his flair in the final third, as well as his positional sense and ability to find himself in goalscoring positions.
Alberto is quite a versatile attacker too, as he can operate on the flanks, in addition to his favoured centre forward role. His dynamism, though, is what makes him such a sought-after talent in his native Brazil.
Is Alberto A Good Option For Arsenal?
Arsenal are in desperate need of a squad overhaul in the upcoming summer transfer window. Unfortunately, they do not have the funds to make a radical change in their ranks unless they manage to get rid of star players like Alexandre Lacazette, Hector Bellerin and even Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Even then, Mikel Arteta needs to be crafty in regards to his activity in the market. And that is where someone like Yuri Alberto could be an interesting option.
Although the 20-year-old is regarded as a talent, he is a far more realistic and cheaper option than some of the ones available in the European market. The youngster has already proved his mettle, although he does lack the experience of playing at the highest level of football.
Nevertheless, Alberto could be a decent addition to the Arsenal side – someone who can perhaps provide competition for Aubameyang while also covering for the primary wingers like Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe. For a fee of just €15 million, he could indeed be a bargain for the Gunners.
