According to TuttoJuve, Italian giants Lecce are looking for £25 million for their left-back sensation Patrick Dorgu, with Arsenal circling around their prized asset.
The 19-year-old has taken to the Serie A like a duck to water, impressing elite clubs with his performances for his club and country this season.
Premier League biggies like Arsenal Chelsea, Tottenh*m Hotsp*r, and Manchester United are all linked with the young Danish gem.
PLAYER PROFILE: LECCE STAR PATRICK DORGU
Lecce, a Serie A club, are Dorgu’s current employers. The 6’2″ Dane got his start in football with Husum Boldklu after being born in Copenhagen. After making four appearances for the premier Danish club Nordsjaelland, he went on to Lecce in 2022 for a meagre €200,000.
This summer, after completing a permanent switch, he made his debut with the first team, having previously played with their U19 side.
Dorgu had a stellar career in Italy’s top league, as he started 21 of his 34 matches. Two goals and an assist were his contributions. With the youth’s versatility, they can now field a more formidable defence.
The star of Serie A had an outstanding Nations League start for Denmark, scoring in his first 47 seconds of play in a 2-0 victory over Switzerland last month. Because he wanted to play for Denmark instead of Nigeria, they lost out on a talented player.
Another player of Nigerian descent who made the switch to Tottenh*m from Udinese in 2022 is Destiny Udogie.
In terms of his play style, Dorgu is versatile enough to play as a wing-back, left-back, or right-back. In addition to his success as a right winger, he is versatile enough to play in the front three.
He has displayed traits reminiscent of Arsenal’s early days of Bukayo Saka, who was first tested at full-back before advancing to the offensive.
The main player for Lecce is known to be a press-resistant footballer who enjoys getting engaged with the attackers and cutting in. Fits the physical profile of a Premier League competitor and can sneak past crowded areas with ease.
He should focus on strengthening his weak foot since he uses his left foot a lot. The 19-year-old will receive instruction from Mikel Arteta on how to assist the squad in maintaining possession and how to distribute passes from behind the ball.
Dorgu possesses a quick speed and a good eye for goal thanks to his deft attacking techniques. According to his agent Kingsley Ogbodo, he is being eyed by numerous Premier League clubs as a top young left back.
His sale to Lecce would set a new club record if he receives £25 million. The child will soon be leaving Via del Mare for better opportunities, given his rapid growth. Whether Arsenal takes advantage of the January transfer window is anybody’s guess.
Those like Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, and Jurrien Timber can make him feel like a second-stringer. The defender will be able to learn the ropes from the league’s elite before he makes his mark at the Emirates. The Gunners have made a respectable long-term investment.