Maher’s manager thinks the teenager should link up with Wenger.
With a move for AZ Alkmaar starlet Adam Maher to Ajax breaking down, Arsenal are back in contention although need to act fast with PSV Eindhoven closing in, reports Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
The Gunners were one of several English sides said to have been tracking the 19-year-old, but his manager Gertjan Verbeek stated earlier in 2013 that Maher should move to the Emirates to further his career.
“I think Arsenal is a perfect club for him. With Arsene Wenger, who worked with young talents like him before,” Verbeek was quoted on Sky Sports.
“He can get the most out of himself at Arsenal. Look at Robin van Persie, he joined Arsenal at a young age and look what he achieved.”
Van Persie joined the north London side as a 20-year-old for £4m from Dutch side Feyenoord and it is easy to see how Verbeek has drawn comparisons with Maher.
The Alkmaar is a midfielder however, not a striker like the current Manchester United man, although the Moroccan-born wonderkid did manage to score 10 times for his club in 2012/13.
Although still only a teenager Maher played 39 times for Alkmaar this season, including appearing in the Europa League and it was always likely bigger clubs would come knocking for the Dutchman.
PSV now lead the race to secure the midfielder’s signature having followed up Ajax’s failed attempts to sign him and Arsenal will need to act fast if they want to scupper the Eredivisie runners-up.
Watch Maher make the most of a questionable first touch to weave his way to scoring below:
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