For what was a rather disappointing January transfer window for Arsenal at the beginning of the year, the club’s two only signings highlighted the potential start of something much bigger, no matter how underwhelming they may have seemed at the time.
Obviously, a lot has happened since then and major improvements to the squad were eventually made this summer. However, it would appear the additions of Matt Turner and Auston Trusty are very much part of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment's long-term ambitions for the Gunners.
At the time deals for Turner and Trusty were announced, The Athletic reported that the Kroenkes were actively looking into ways that could ‘create deeper connections between their sporting franchises’ which involved handing trials to some of Colorado Rapids’ young talents. It was added that KSE eventually hoped to ’share information across their network that will allow Arsenal to expand and deepen their scouting operations in North America’.
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In Trusty’s case, it’s worth remembering that his former club, the aforementioned Rapids, are also owned by KSE. So that deal, in particular, came across as one which was purely focused on expanding Arsenal’s international network rather than strengthening the first-team squad. On the flip side, Turner’s arrival felt slightly different. The intention to grow Arsenal’s connections in the US may have still been there, but the team was in need of a back-up goalkeeper and the USMNT shot-stopper fit the bill.
So with all of that in mind, the possibility of Arsenal and KSE dipping into the MLS market once again is at an all-time high - but who should they sign next? football.london picks out three emerging talents that could take the owner's plan to a whole new level.
Jesus Ferreira
Despite being just 21 years of age, Ferreira finds himself enjoying his sixth - and best - season with FC Dallas yet, bagging 18 goals and providing six assists across 36 appearances. The versatile forward, who can play through the middle, out wide or even as a No.10 in midfield, has established himself as one of MLS and the US national teams’ hottest prospects.
“He doesn’t have a [youthful] complacency about him, he has a really high level of determination,” Buzz Carrick, the founder of 3rd Degree, a leading website covering FC Dallas, told Breaking The Lines. “You see it in training or when he’s talking to the media: he’s very dialled in, he’s not looking around at other things, and he sees an opportunity here with this coach and how the team is set up around him. He’s taking it all in his stride.”
Ferreira’s impressive displays for both club and country will most likely secure him a place on the plane to Qatar later this year. Gregg Berhalter will no doubt be hoping that the Colombian-born talent can continue his fine form in American colours, with seven goals in 12 caps so far.
Thiago Almada
It’s safe to say Argentina has produced some of the best players to ever grace the pitch over the years, and it doesn’t look like a theme that’s slowing down any time soon. Amid fears that interest was growing from elsewhere, Atlanta United wasted no time in snapping up Almada from Vélez Sarsfield for a reported £14.5million back in February.
Today, the 21-year-old has a very real chance of making Lionel Scaloni’s squad after continuing to showcase his immense potential in the States. Almada scored seven goals and matched that with seven assists this season. The attacking midfielder and winger already has experience at senior national team level, featuring at the Olympics and recently making his debut, which earned praise from Lionel Messi.
“Thiago plays loose,” the Paris Saint-Germain forward said in a post-match interview. “He's very fast and he has a lot of 1-v-1 ability. He's very clever and he's not afraid of anything. He goes at you.”
Jose Cifuentes
Considering Arsenal have already signed a defender in Austin Trusty and a couple of attack-minded players are listed above, including a central midfielder seems like the right thing to do, especially when Mikel Arteta could be on the lookout for one come January.
After netting seven goals and providing eight assists this season, Cifuentes has reportedly gained interest from the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion and Leeds United. Combined with LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington’s praise for the player, it’s no surprise to see the 23-year-old making the headlines.
“What I'll speak to you about Cifu is I think if he's not the most talented midfielder in the league, he's up there,” Thorrington said. “I think he has absolutely everything he needs to succeed. I'm not surprised to receive and hear of interest from high-level clubs in Europe.”
Like Ferreira and Almada, Cifuentes’ displays have put him in a strong position to be at theWorld Cup, having already made ten caps for Ecuador.
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