Who is Goncalo Guedes: £54m Arsenal & Man Utd target likened to Ronaldo, more creative than Mata & capped 43 times

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Meet Goncalo Guedes, the Portuguese teen sensation who, according to The Independent, is attracting interest from both Arsenal and Manchester United. Here’s five things you should know about the man both Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho are reportedly keen to get their hands on.

Big price tag

According to Portugal-based news site A Bola, Benfica will hold out for an eye-watering £54 million to part with the youngster. That’s the figure said to be in Guedes’ buy-out clause in a contract that runs until 2021. If a transfer of that value went through now it would make him the 14th most expensive footballer of all time.

43 international appearances

Guedes represented his country at youth level from the U15s all the way through to the U23s before making his debut for the senior side. He was first called up to the senior national team in November 2015 and made his debut against Russia in Krasnodar. At 19 years old he has already made 43 international appearances in various age groups, scoring nine goals.

Compared to Ronaldo

A young Portuguese winger making a big impression in the Primeira Liga, we’ve heard this one before! Guedes has drawn comparisons to three-time Balon D’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo – via The Mirror – due to his explosive acceleration down the channels.

He is also, like Ronaldo, a free-kick specialist. Check out this thunderous strike he scored for Portugal U19s in 2015.

More creative than Mata?

Man United’s creative shortfalls have often been bemoaned by fans in recent years, but Goncalo Guedes could be the right man to improve them in that department. In the Primeira Liga so far this season, Guedes has created 11 chances and played 10 key passes. That works out as a chance created or key pass played every 22 minutes.

So how does that measure up to Juan Mata, arguably United’s main creative source? Mata has created just five chances and played only four key passes so far this season, a chance created or key pass played every 44 minutes.

Versatile

Guedes is able to play anywhere along the frontline. He has featured on the left wing, right wing and also as a secondary striker. Such a level of versatility would make him a great asset for any side. Arsene Wenger seems to be fond of this type of player – three members of his current attack – Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Alex Iwobi – all have similar flexibility.

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