Arsenal’s hunt for the brightest prospects in world football has frequently taken the Gunners to Spanish shores, with the likes of Cesc Fàbregas, Fran Mérida and Ignasi Miquel-Pons all swapping the España sun for a life in North London.
And, If reports in the sections of the European media are to be believed, Atlético de Madrid’s Jorge Resurrección Merodio – known simply as “Koke” – could be the next Spanish import to join Arsenal. The rugged box-to-box central midfielder currently skippers his country at Under 17 level, and is close friends with our latest acquisition, Miquel-Pons.
Trusted scout Francis Caggio is said to have personally watched Koke during Atlético’s ‘B’ team fixture with Real Madrid on Saturday. The encounter finished 1-1, with Resurrección putting in another promising display to help his team claim the credible draw.
Should a deal materialise, the 16-year-old would be deployed in Steve Bould’s Under 18 team, whilst he hones his flourishing trade. At 176cm he is not an imposing figure, yet Koke’s tenacious and high energy displays mirror that of former midfielder Mathieu Flamini.
At a time when most Gooners are keen for more experienced arrivals to be high on the agenda, Wenger will continue with his youth policy which served the likes of Fàbregas, and more recently Mérida, so well.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Francis Caggio really does lots of good stuff for Arsenal , my bet is if he says this lad is good , Wenger should and will look at him.
And plz everyone , no more bashing the youth system. If you have a problem wid the senior setup plz dont let the undeniable array of young talent suffer from it.
Hello Mr. Sanderson. It’s Arsenal Russian Speaking Supporters Club. Your articles are well-spoken in our country, but not all people are speak a good English here. That’s why we ask your permission to use your writing-materials for writing articles into Russian. We keep references of primary source always.
Sanderson,
as per usual great stuff we keeping as gooners up to date on the youth team matters. The Atletico youth team has produced some great players recently and no doubt this guy is top draw if he captain for spain under 17’s. Any info on the likelihood of us buying Blaise Matuidi from St. Etienne? He is a flamini type player on the fringes of the french squad and would fit a wenger type profile.
I know the senior team is getting crucified at this point in time but I think we should keep it all in perspective as Wenger has built 3 title winning teams and a fantastic academy. Even if only Wilshere comes through (I believe Coquelin, Gibbs and Barazite will push on also) it is a success.
Anyone remember the gloomy days before George Graham rolled out Rocky, Adams, Thomas and the like out? I believe some homegrown “Arsenal” players is what is needed and the next generation can provide that. I hope we win the Carling Cup to start the next dynasty.
Arsenal vs Norwich Reserves today , you going to do a report
Isnt it Francis Caggigao?
Yes it is Francis Caggigao and what looks like another top prospect. Francis doesn’t waste time with talents so when he finds one it is likely to be of top quality. Not sure if Arsenal need another central midfielder but his style is something different to what we have; a dominating central midfielder. The closest we have are maybe Lansbury and Frimpong.
How does he compare to Coquelin?
He seems like a different player to Coquelin and he is a all round player. But Resureccion; great name. It seems to match his description.
jesus…can we please bye a senior player to help for this season
As much as everyone slates Wenger for only seeming to buy Youth how can anyone blame him? In the summer he had Diaby injured, Rosicky, Eduardo all injured. So does he buy replacements and hope that the injured players will be happy to come back from injured and find their place taken? If Arsenal to go ahead and purchase Koke, then its because he’s a better prospect than Coquelin/Randall/Lansbury. So, being an Arsenal fan, would you rather we signed him, or for example Tottenham, who also need a Centre Mid and then he turns out to be one of the best in the world. Then you’ll all turn round and question why Wenger didn’t take him when he had the chance!!
Rant over…for now
Don’t you mean Keko? That young lad is amazing,
anyway, I take your word for it. Should be a good buy but I’m not sure Atletico would let him go, they seem to have a eye for talent e.g. Adams, Aguero, etc.
Not Keko, although i would prefer him. He’s a tricky winger, whereas Koke is a holding player.
Francis Cagigao – I think. On this site you have to get that right. He is a cucial part of the whole concept that is young guns i.e our future.
How do you say this guys name?
Resurrection?
Lol.
Resere-sion is how it is pronounced.
lansbury scored another goal for england. he truly is captain marvel
I hope we get Koke as Atlético have a lot of holding midfielders in their youth team but he should not be mistaken for Keko who has already made his debut and became the youngest player to play for Atlético and was given a 3 year contract with the club having the option to extend it by 3 more years if they want, he is also an Atlético fan so Keto is off limits but Koke is very talented if we can get him
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lads is fran merida actually going to make it arsenal? hasnt he slightly dropped of the radar? i thought he would have had a more significant role since cesc got injured. so much hype about him but whens he going to get his chance?