‘New Paul Pogba’ who Arsenal reportedly wanted last summer named in world’s top youngsters list

Add as preferred source on Google

A player who has been compared to Paul Pogba and was reportedly sought after by Arsenal last summer has made Goal’s NxGn 2020 list of top players born on or after 1 January 2001.

Lucien Agoume, then of French Ligue 2 side Sochaux, emerged as a reported transfer target for the Gunners, then managed by Unai Emery, last June.

Agoume became the youngest player in Sochaux history at the age of 16 years and 252 days with his senior debut in a Ligue 2 match against Troyes in October 2018.

Further substitute appearances followed, and by January 2019 he was a regular starter in Omar Daf’s side.

The France youth international’s agent, Djibril Niang, told L’Est Republicain that Arsenal and Premier League rivals Manchester City had “positioned themselves” and were “waiting”.

However, Niang dealt both English sides a huge blow by saying Agoume was likely to join Italian side Inter Milan – a move that was eventually confirmed in July.

According to Goal, the Nerazzurri paid an initial €4.5 million (£4million) fee to snap up the Cameroon-born ace, a tall and strong midfielder whose style of play has been compared to Pogba.

Agoume has made number 35 in Goal’s NxGn 2020 list, the outlet saying: “Omar Daf knew it would not be long before Lucien Agoume left Sochaux. ‘He’s a kid who progresses from match to match,’ the coach said last season.

“So, while it was disappointing for the French club to lose Agoume to Inter during the summer, it certainly was not a surprise, particularly after the Paul Pogba-like midfielder had led France to the semi-finals of the 2019 European Under-17 Championship last May.

“Agoume then captained his country to a third-placed finish at the Under-17 World Cup later in the year before returning to Milan to make his debut for Inter in December.”

TBR View:

While it’s a shame that Agoume ended up snubbing Arsenal and moving to Inter Milan, the Gunners scouting department can perhaps be a little pleased that they made such a good call in identifying him as a prospective target, given how much he’s progressing, and they can move onto their next targets with confidence.

Particularly in these uncertain times, with football currently suspended and fears over a potential “big crunch” in the football transfer bubble, having a top notch scouting department which can identify gems at relatively cheap prices – Agoume reportedly went for just £4million – is going to be more essential than ever.