Update:Arsenal Are Locked In A Three-Way Battle For This Gifted Playmaker: Is He Worth The Fight?

In a recent tweet, journalist Leticia Marques stated that Arsenal are locked in a three-way battle for Flamengo playmaker Matheus Franca this summer. It has been revealed that the Gunners could face competition in the form of Crystal Palace and Newcastle United in the race to land the Brazilian prospect during this transfer window.

Franca’s Excellent Rise In Brazilian Football

Franca has enjoyed a meteoric rise at Flamengo and deserves credit for establishing himself as a key member of their senior team. The Brazilian youngster has already made 53 senior appearances for the Brazilian club, scoring nine goals in the process across all competitions.

The 19-year-old has been a consistent performer in the final third based on his average of 2.1 shots, 0.9 key passes and 1.4 dribbles per 90 minutes in Brasileirao. He has even distributed the ball relatively well after making 77.3% of his attempted passes in the Brazilian top tier (stats via whoscored).

His current contract at the Brazilian club will run out at the end of 2027. Hence, it won’t be easy for the Gunners to lure him to North London during this summer transfer period.

Matheus Franca

Flamengo’s forward Matheus Franca celebrates after scoring a goal during the Copa Libertadores group stage first leg football match between Aucas and Flamengo at the Gonzalo Pozo stadium in Quito, on April 5, 2023. (Photo by Rodrigo BUENDIA / AFP) (Photo by RODRIGO BUENDIA/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal Are Locked In A Three-Way Battle For Franca: Is He Worth The Fight?

Franca is a technically gifted footballer who can engineer space for himself to get some strikes in on-target. He can shoot the ball with power from long range and has got the vision to create a few meaningful openings for his teammates in the final third.

The Brazilian whizkid is a great dribbler with the ball as well and has got the potential to become a generational talent. He mainly functions in the number ten position but can also fill in as a striker or as a box-to-box midfielder if told to do so.

Therefore, Franca will be an excellent signing for the Gunners this summer as he has the ceiling to become a success story at the Emirates Stadium in the long run.

At 19, Franca is still quite raw and would need time to prove his worth at the highest level. However, there is no doubt that he will be well worth the fight for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta this summer.