Transfer News: Arsenal lead Liverpool in pursuit of Alessio Da Cruz

Arsenal are reportedly leading the chase for Novara wonderkid Alessio Da Cruz, who is also being tailed by Premier League outfit Liverpool.

According to The Sun, Arsenal are leading the pursuit of Novara wonderkid Alessio Da Cruz. The winger has been on the radar of the Gunners as well as Liverpool. But, it seems the North Londoners have edged ahead of their fellow Premier League rival in the attacker’s pursuit.

Alessio Da Cruz’s career has been a rather nomadic one. Initially a part of the Ajax youth setup, the player switched a few clubs before ending up at FC Twente. The player was subsequently loaned to FC Dordrecht before finally being moved on by the Eredevisie club.

Joining Novara on a free transfer in the summer, there were minimal expectations from the 20-year-old from the get-go. But, his start has been rather surprising and pleasing to the eyes of the Novara faithfuls. The winger boasts a record of 5 goals and 2 assists in 18 appearances thus far – on course to reach double figures in his first full-fledged senior season.

Alessio Da Cruz’s links with Arsenal are not really a surprise. Arsene Wenger needs to add to his options on the wing and the 20-year-old could be a real dark horse, if he does end up arriving at Emirates.

Alessio da Cruz’ agent in talks with Arsenal: the U-18 ?? forward of Novara scored 5 goals in this Serie B ?? pic.twitter.com/xxdJtHPOAY

— Matteo Moretto (@Matte_Moretto) December 21, 2017

Liverpool, on the other hand, might be eyeing the player as a viable addition to the squad, mostly as a backup to the already available options at Klopp’s disposal.

However, comparing the two situations, Da Cruz will stand a better chance to make his mark in the senior team at Arsenal, with the Gunners short of options in the said area.

According to the reports, the player does seem to be on his way towards the better option, with Sky Italia claiming that Arsenal officials had already held talks with the 20-year-old with the intent of bringing the player over to Emirates in the summer to come.

Another bone of contention might be the 20-year-old’s pedigree to prove himself at the highest tier. The player is still an unknown quantity and his current display, even though impressive, is in Serie B – a league very low in terms of stature, quality and competitiveness when compared to Premier League.