Claims from Portugal saying youngster “rejected Arsenal” seem a bit exaggerated

 

A few days ago, Portuguese newspaper O Jogo revealed that Arsenal were following the Benfica winger Diogo Gonçalves.

The 19-year-old was described as “Arsene Wenger’s passion” as he was being scouted by Luís Boa Morte for quite a long time.

Gonçalves has been doing a great job at Benfica B, and this weekend he was asked about Arsenal’s interest. The player didn’t seem much concerned about it.

“Arsenal? It’s Benfica who I want to play for”, the teenager told Sport TV (via O Jogo). “I’m focused on what I’m doing here.”

Monday’s edition of O Jogo has a big headline saying “Diogo Gonçalves rejects Arsenal”, which is obviously exaggerated.

The kid is just not jumping the gun, which is a good thing for him. He’s expected to make his debut for Benfica’s first team this season, and then surely more concrete interest will come if he manages to impress.