Real Betis forward Luiz Henrique is taking inspiration from reports linking him with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, speaking to El Desmarque amid interest from some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
One of La Liga’s breakthrough stars this season, it’s fair to say Henrique’s reputation – not to mention his price-tag – has grown quite a bit since Los Verdiblancos paid a bargain £7 million to sign him from Fluminense last summer.
According to ABC de Sevilla, Arsenal and Manchester United are scouting the jet-heeled Henrique. Aston Villa too; Unai Emery determined to add a high-class wideman to his squad (Daily Mail).
And Henrique, when asked specifically about those links with Arsenal, Man United and runaway Serie A leaders Napoli, is at pains to point out that these rumours only fuel his desire to continue improving under Manuel Pellegrini at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.
Arsenal are keeping tabs on Real Betis winger Luiz Henrique
“It makes me want to keep growing,” Henrique says.
“But those things about other teams wanting to buy me, I don’t think about that. In fact, I told my agents that I only think about Betis and playing.
“I feel very calm at Betis. Everyone is always helping me: the coaching staff, Pellegrini, the players. I’m feeling very good here.
“When a young player comes from Brazil at that age, change is very difficult. But here I found (fellow Brazilians) Willian Jose and Luiz Felipe, who are helping me a lot. I feel very calm here.”
Henrique, now valued in the region of £44 million, has five goals and five assists in all competitions. And while not quite a guaranteed starter under Pellegrini – many of his recent appearances have come from the bench – Henrique’s first season in European football has gone far better than even he expected.
“I thought that I was not going to play as much as I am,” he adds. “But I was always calm. The players always helped me. I am very happy to play and help the team.”
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