According to Football London, Arsenal wonderkid Lino Sousa has impressed first-team staff, including Mikel Arteta.
What’s the story?
Well, the 17-year-old only arrived at the Emirates Stadium in January, after the Gunners pinched him from West Brom.
In just a few months, the teenager has already made a big impact at Arsenal, where he is considered a potential star of the future by those within London Colney, according to Football London.
So far this season, Sousa has made six appearances for the Under-18 side at Arsenal, where he clearly impressed as he was then promoted to the Under-23 ranks.
The left-back seems to have taken to the step up like a duck to water, as he’s recorded two assists in three appearances at Under-23 level.
It’s no wonder Arteta and his staff are dazzled.
Lino Sousa could replace Kieran Tierney at Arsenal
In our view, Sousa could be the answer to Arteta’s problem at left-back.
Of course, he’s still extremely raw, and has only just been promoted to the Under-23 side.
However, Nuno Tavares has been subbed off in the 35th minute, and at half-time, since the turn of the year, with Arteta clearly unconvinced that he can replace Tierney while the Scotland international recovers from a knee injury.
Granit Xhaka is capable of filling in, but we see no reason why Sousa shouldn’t be given a chance if he’s catching the eye of Arteta in training.
The Spaniard has already placed his trust in a number of youngsters since replacing Unai Emery.
Hopefully, Sousa will be the next to blossom under Arteta, just like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe have.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
