Premier League elite interest increasing around Brazil maestro
Just as it began to seem as if everyone had forgotten about the youngster altogether, it seems as if some of the top clubs of the Premier League are all ready to reinvest some of their interest in Santos talent, Ganso.
The attacking midfielder was the subject of much transfer speculation over the summer months, leading some of Europe’s elite to chase his signature including Manchester United, Chelsea, Juventus and AC Milan to enquire about his availability in the hopes of adding the playmaker to their ranks.
However, it was Ganso’s teammate Neymar who made the real headlines of 2011 with the likes of Manchester City, Barcelona and Real Madrid all battling it out for the teenager before the Brazilian international reportedly signed a pre-contract agreement to sign with Real after the 2012-13 season.
What some fail to notice though, is that Neymar may not be as prolific a talent were it not for the constant ammunition supplied to him by his club and country teammate, Ganso.
The attacking midfielder has made over 125 appearances for Santos since making his debut in 2008, becoming a key component for the Brazilian outfit where he has made at least 40 appearances for the side in both the 2009-10 and 2010-11 campaigns.
His exploits on a club basis have also led the playmaker to be selected for the Brazilian national and since making his debut in 2010, Ganso now has seven senior caps under his belt.
Among the clubs reviving interest in the midfielder is Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal; all of whom have good reason to be in the market for a player who’s expertise lies is creativity.
Manchester United are facing evident midfield absences with Tom Cleverley and Darren Fletcher both out of commission until February at the earliest, and continue to be linked with central midfielders capable of preventing the Premier League title from falling into the clutches of bitter rivals, Manchester City.
The current league champions have also been linked with Wesley Sneijder once again, however Ganso would prove a far more economical option at a value of £18m, with a larger potential for resale value.
North London rivals, Arsenal and Spurs, also have reasons to go after the 22 year-old as they both look to gain re-entry to next season’s Champions League.
The Gunners need offensive reinforcements having lost out on midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri in August, and altho Yossi Benayoun and Mikel Arteta were brought in as replacements, the club still lack the flair shown in past seasons.
Harry Redknapp hinted last month that his side would make a ‘major signing’ in January, and if Luka Modric were to ultimately give in to the temptation of a bmpr contract with Chelsea, Ganso would be seen as an ideal replacement.
Despite the low amount of recent activity around Ganso, one can be assured that this deal is far from concluded and it remains a distinct possibility that we see the youngster playing in the Premier League before the end of the month.
