Martim Fernandes has begun to attract interest from a number of European giants, and his name is beginning to be heard from beyond Portugal’s borders. The young FC Porto right-back has made steady progress since leaving UD Valonguense to join the Dragons’ youth ranks in 2017. Since then, he has not stopped growing.
His style of play stands out for the energy with which he runs down the wing, his aggressiveness in individual duels and a maturity that is uncommon for someone of his age. This natural progression has attracted the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Arsenal.
Should Arsenal pay Porto’s €60m release clause for 26-year-old to secure their right-back future?
As reported by British media outlet TEAMtalk, the Gunners are keeping a close eye on the 26-year-old’s situation and are contemplating a swoop for him in the summer transfer window. Mikel Arteta wants to strengthen the right flank and believes the Porto youngster fits the profile they are looking for to compete in the long term.
However, they are not alone. Manchester City, always willing to invest in young talent, are also keeping a close eye on him. Bayer Leverkusen have also entered the fray, which further complicates the picture. The termination clause amounts to 60 million euros, a figure that marks Arsenal’s first big decision regarding the future of their defender.
Opinion:
Now, the question on many people’s minds is whether it is worth paying that amount for a player who has yet to prove himself in a championship as demanding as the Premier League. The price is steep, but if Arsenal really believe in Fernandes’ potential, he could be a smart bet to shore up a position that has rotated between Tomiyasu, Ben White and newcomer Jurrien Timber.
White has performed creditably, but he is not a natural full-back. Timber, while promising, is coming off a long injury. Fernandes, with his explosive profile and competitive hunger, could offer something different.
What’s next?
The direct comparison with White and Timber is not an easy one. Fernandes has a more vertical style, looks for the edge and has an attacking instinct that Arteta could exploit if he decides to go for a more flexible system in transitions.
In the long term, if he adapts well to the English rhythm and understands the automatisms demanded by the Spanish coach, it is not unreasonable to think that he could become the owner of that wing. Of course, adaptation would be key. The difference in pace, physicality and pressure between Portugal and England cannot be underestimated. But the talent, no doubt, is there.
Competing with Manchester City always involves a risk. Not only do they have resources, but also a structure that seduces any promising youngster. However, Arsenal have something in their favour: the clarity of their project and the confidence that Arteta offers to young players.
If they can convince the player that his development will be more natural at the Emirates, they could be ahead of Guardiola’s side and Leverkusen, who are at their best at the moment, but still belong to a league with less exposure.
Ultimately, if Arsenal believe Fernandes can be their winger of the future, paying 60 million should not seem like a whim. Sometimes, securing a key player before he fully explodes is wiser than waiting. Arteta and his coaching staff will have to decide whether this move is strategic or premature. But what is certain is that Martim Fernandes does not wait. And anyone who takes too long to move may be left to watch someone else take the prize.
