Arsenal scout Francis Cagigao has met with the representatives of Novara striker Alessio Da Cruz, according to Gianlucadimarzio.com.
The former Dutch U18 international is reportedly being tracked by the Gunners, and it seems the London club have stepped up their interest by making contact with his agents George Boateng and Menno Groenwald.
Da Cruz is also believed to be on the radar of clubs like Southampton, Brighton and Swansea City but it must be said that the player’s track record isn’t particularly impressive.
The 20 year old was released by Eredivisie side FC Twente at the end of last season, following a year long loan spell in the Dutch second division with Dordrecht. He had ostensibly been used as a winger during his time in the Netherlands, but after switching to Serie B in the summer, he has played mostly as a striker.
The Dutchman’s five goals in 18 games playing in the second tier of Italian football certainly doesn’t convince that he could perform in the Premier League, but it seems clear that Arsenal have seen something in him that suggests he could make at the highest level.