Arsenal and Crystal Palace have both been linked with Brondby starlet Anis Ben Slimane but, speaking to Den Gamle Hytte, sporting director Carsten Jensen has played down the chances of an imminent move to the Premier League.
For very different reasons, a pair of London neighbours appear to be prioritising untapped young talent during the summer transfer window.
Arsenal, after all, will need to box clever with funds tighter than ever at the Emirates.
As a result, Edu Gaspar and Raul Sanllehi are under pressure to unearth the next Gabriel Martinelli with established, top level stars in the Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang mould seemingly out of their reach.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are making steps to inject some youthful exuberance into the second-oldest squad in England’s top flight.
BT reported in June that Palace are looking to follow up the signings of Scott Banks and Jay Rich-Baghuelo with 19-year-old Slimane, two months after the same publication linked Arsenal with a £4 million swoop.
But, according to Jensen, the Copenhagen-born dynamo is still very much part of Brondby’s plans.
“In a year or two, (Slimane’s price-tag) may be somewhat larger than it was last winter” says Jensen, adding that he is yet to receive any direct approach from Arsenal.
“With his strong technique, physical qualities and his reading of the game, Anis has shown in a relatively short time that he can play.
“The best thing that can happen to Anis right now in relation to his development is some continuity in daily life, from which he can develop as a player.
“One must not forget that Anis is only 19 years old, so he naturally has plenty of time ahead of him to become the best possible version of himself as a player and human being. It must be exciting to follow that development.”
Given that both Arsenal and Crystal Palace appear to have their sights fixed on some of Europe’s most under-the-radar talents, you can guarantee that they will indeed by following Slimane’s development over the next 12 months or so.
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