Eduardo Camavinga joins Arsenal list of dream targets

Eduardo Camavinga the ‘Priority’ for Arsenal

The same French journalist who announced the interest earlier in the window, Alexis Bernard, has followed up with more updates, stating that Camavinga remains the Gunners’ ‘priority’ and that work has been taking place behind the scenes for the past two months.

How believable is that? And how believable is the follow up that PSG might struggle to secure the deal as their budget will be limited if they secure Achraf Hakimi’s signature for around £60m? You do wonder.

It’s not healthy to become too attached to such eventualities. They can so often result in disappointment.

In Arsenal’s case, they have surprised a few people already this window with the apparent size of the good ol’ war chest. Talk of £250m being made available, with the help of this Barclays loan, and strong links to players who will cost upwards of £50m does add some strength to the claims, although it remains unlikely.

Should there be an opportunity for Arsenal to bring Camavinga in however, then they must do it. This young man is on a different planet. A dream signing.

Questioning whether or not Arsenal need more ‘project’ signings for the coming Premier League season, the argument is there that Camavinga isn’t one. Yes, he’s only 18, has a lot to learn and is yet to play outside of boyhood club Rennes, but sometimes talent speaks for itself and already breaking numerous records and featuring for the French senior side, the world is watching on at a unique young man.

Despite his frame, his tackling numbers are utterly insane. In every third of the pitch his exceptional athleticism and stamina are nuisance, registering tackles everywhere that are 93rd percentile worthy or higher. He carries the ball at varying lengths with regular success, boasting the silkiness to his technique unlike anything seen in holding midfielders, let alone of his age.

A first touch to drool over and an accuracy of pass so natural you’d think he was 28. It’s almost unfair.

It’s often said that No. 6’s are at their best when you don’t know they’re there. There is not a single game that goes by where Camavinga isn’t playing a starring role. He’s everywhere.

Being left-footed, young, hungry, an Arsenal fan apparently, and destined for the top, his arrival in north London would be the most prized of all. How obtainable it is depends on one’s willingness to get lost in the rumours.

Arsenal may be dreaming and so are their fans. Some fantasies never get played out, though.