Real Betis and Sevilla have reportedly entered the race to sign £15m Arsenal target and Club Brugge striker Wesley Moraes, according to reports in Spain.
Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reports that both Real Betis and Sevilla have set their sights on the Brazilian, so much so that they’re planning bids in January to try and get in before the competition next summer. The two La Liga sides reportedly join Arsenal and Lazio in following the 22-year-old.
The rumour began back in August, with stories emerging about Arsenal scouting the striker, alongside a number of other top European clubs. However, it’s started to pick up over the last few days, with the Daily Mail and other English publications reporting that Unai Emery is trying to strengthen his front line by signing the Brazilian in January.
Player and manager speak out on the reports
![Real Betis and Sevilla enter race for £15m Arsenal target Wesley Moraes 1 Club Brugge's Brazilian forward Wesley Moraes celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League Group A football match between AS Monaco and Bruges at The 'Louis II' Stadium, in Monaco on November 6, 2018. (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images)](/static/uploads/2018/12/FBL-EUR-C1-MONACO-BRUGES-1544359833-1024x681.jpg)
Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad.be write that this interest has been confirmed to them by club sources. They add quotes from the player himself on turning down Lazio over the summer and the possibility of a January transfer.
“It was not easy to refuse a bid from a club like Lazio, but I knew it was better for me. I love Club Brugge and got the chance to develop myself here,” Wesley said. “Normally I’d stay until June, but we have to wait. I’ll stay here for as long as I can.”
Meanwhile, the striker’s coach Ivan Leko told the media: “The Premier League, Arsenal or Tottenham: that is the dream of every player in the Jupiler Pro League. I would, of course, be super proud if tomorrow, in six months or in two years, one of my players can take that step.
“I absolutely believe that he can handle that level. After a year and a half, I know him very well. He is not only a talent, he is also someone who works hard every day and shows a strong mentality in training.”
Wesley has 10 goals and five assists for the Belgian side this campaign already, including a couple of goals against AS Monaco in the Champions League.
With Danny Welbeck’s injury, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Arsenal pushing a transfer through in January. Standing at 6’3″ and unsurprisingly strong in the air, Wesley could provide the team with a different option in front of goal. We’ll have to wait and see if and when they make a move.