Arsenal scouts were reportedly in attendance as Benfica demolished Martimo this weekend.
Arsenal have been linked with Andrija Zivkovic recently and, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola (via Voetbalzone), sent scouts to watch him in action during his side’s 5-0 victory over Martimo on Saturday.
Manchester United and Ajax scouts were also allegedly in attendance during a match which saw Zivkovic score a goal and provide an assist.
The 21-year-old has scored three goals and provided five assists in 21 appearances for Benfica this season. Although, he’s also picked up four yellow cards.
Andrija Zivkovic vs Maritimo
1 goal
1 assist
3 shots
58 passes
93% pass accuracy
2 key passes
3 dribbles won
2 tackles wonSuperb young player. pic.twitter.com/JvIgZVlJ6k
— FootballTalentScout (@FTalentScout) March 3, 2018
Arsenal, United and Ajax’s scouts were all apparently sat with people from Leicester City, Fulham, Monaco, Montpellier, Empoli and SPAL, which suggests that the Serbia international is promising, but there’s no evidence pointing to Arsenal holding more interest in the young attacking midfielder than any of the other clubs watching him.
Zivkovic signed for Benfica from Partizan in 2016 and still has until June 2021 left on his contract. According to the S*n, this means he’ll set Arsenal back £6.3m if they want to sign him in the summer.
Although the club might be keeping an eye on Zivkovic, they have other positions they need to strengthen first – like centre-back – before they look at signing more attacking midfielders.