Literally, the Spanish word Quinta means country house. That´s the main meaning although it is often used in other contexts. For example, Quinta is referred to a cohort of companions who are called-up to the military service the same year while it can also identify youngsters of the same age bracket. In Spanish football, the word is frequently used too: Quinta represents a group of young players who make the breakthrough together. The most famous Quinta is undoubtedly La Quinta del Buitre (the vulture squad) who marked an era in the 80s when Emilio Butragueño, Míchel, Manolo Sanchís, Rafa Martín Vázquez and Miguel Pardeza were promoted from Real Madrid´s youth academy to the first-team. They all became legends at Bernabeu – except for Pardeza, who soon left the club to join Real Zaragoza – and they led the team to five Spanish titles in a row. The five were also members of Spain at World Cup in 1990.
Barcelona had their Quintas too. La Quinta de lo Pelat – Ivan de la Peña, Roger Garcia, Albert Celades, Quique Alvarez , Toni Velamazán and Juan Carlos Moreno – in the mid-90s brought a lot of hopes in a team that was in transition after Johan Cruyff´s successful era. De la Peña, nicknamed El Pelat (the bald guy), was perhaps the only player who had good spells, although his peaks came at beginning (his partnership with Ronaldo under Bobby Robson was amazing) and at the end of his career, when he joined Espanyol.
Years later, it was the generation of those born in 1987 that caught numerous attentions when Lionel Messi coincided with Gerard Piqué and Cesc Fabregas, before the former joined Manchester United and the latter Arsenal. Even the group of Thiago Alcantara, Marc Bartra, Oriol Romeu, Martin Montoya, Christian Tello and Isaac Cuenca received a lot of appreciation. However, it was the class of ´95 the greatest crop to be tipped as the one who will take over one day from Xavi and Iniesta´s generation.
The “New Guardiola” and the class of ´95
samper
Forwards Sandro Ramirez, Munir El Haddadi, Jean Marie Dongou and Adama Traore (one year younger as born in 1996), defenders Alejandro Grimaldo, Roger Riera and Frank Bagnack and the midfielder Sergi Samper formed an impressive team which at earlier stage included Héctor Bellerín, Jon Toral (both went to Arsenal), Balde Keita (to Lazio) and Tony Sanabria (to Roma). To sum up the goodness of this side, Barcelona Under-19 won comfortably in 2014 the first edition of UEFA Youth League despite most of the aforementioned players didn´t take part of the tournament.
By then Sandro, Dongou, Grimaldo, Bagnack and Samper were already been promoted to Barcelona “B”, the reserve team that was playing in the second division. At the end of that season they finished surprisingly third behind Eibar and Deportivo La Coruña and only the rules – reserves cannot play against first teams – prevented Barça B to go into promotion play-offs. But the massive achievement was there. Many of those youngsters were praised for the feat and Samper was singled out as an irreplaceable cog in the machine.
In the summer 2014, an article published on ESPN´s website said that Samper would become soon the “new Pep Guardiola” as his style and position on the field reminded of that skinny lad who was throw by Cruyff in heart of Barcelona´s midfield in 1990. However, the verdict given by Lee Roden was far from a premature or hasty judgment: Samper´s qualities were more than evident. Playing in front of the back four, a key role for any Barcelona side, the Catalan midfielder was the chief orchestrator of this team, showing a vast array of skills: great technique, searing vision, composure with the ball and a beautiful range of passing,
Debuting in Champions League
Few weeks later, Samper took another step forward and debuted in the Champions League against Apoel Nicosia. Someone could argue that it was an easy match – the Cypriots would finish bottom of the Group F with just one point – and therefore not a bad night to let youngsters play. But it wasn´t the case. The first appointment of a competition such as the Champions League is always a tricky game and it could cause trouble, even to the best sides – see Arsenal this season. Barça eventually edged past Apoel 1-0 with Marc-Andre Ter Stegen making a vital save in the stoppage-time and denying a dramatic equalizer. Due to the suspension of Sergio Busquets, Samper started, alongside Sergi Roberto and Xavi, in his typical deep-lying midfielder role while Andres Iniesta and Ivan Rakitic sat on the bench.
Samper played well enough, despite a bit of nervousness and fluttery butterfly in the stomach. As usual, he showed great composure with the ball and his passing accuracy was of 92%. Barça´s coach Luis Enrique in his post-match interview praised the young lad for his performance adding that Samper was another player who surely would help the team in its journey.
As season went on, Samper was called in action just three other times, all in King´s Cup ties. He started both games against Huesca (Barcelona won 12-1 on aggregate) and then he came as late substitute in a 5-0 home victory against Elche. Since then, there was no more first-team football for him although his appearance in Champions League earned Samper a medal in Berlin when Barça won the trophy defeating Juventus in the final.
Barcelona ended the campaign with a Triplete (Champions League, Liga and King´s Cup) but their achievements required efforts. They had a wonderful second part of the season when the likes of Messi and Luis Suarez were unstoppable, yet it had not been all a bed of roses. Luis Enrique had experienced a tough start and in his first months in charge he had struggled to find the right balance and his best starting eleven. It meant that Samper remained with Barça B and completed the season with 34 appearances in the second division.
As expected, at the beginning of the current campaign, Samper was called-up by Luis Enrique for the club´s pre-season tour of United States. He was there the previous season too, but this time the player could have felt as his moment was close to come. After being relegated, Barça B were in third tier, hence it was logical that the best elements would have moved on. Meanwhile, Xavi was gone after years of captaincy and Barcelona, due to a FIFA´s ban, were not able to include new signings in the squad until January 2016. With Pedro also on the verge of a Premier League´s move – it eventually happened – the prospects to become a member of first-team football were higher.
However, those hopes faded away soon. Samper had featured in two friendlies against LA Galaxy and Chelsea – in both he replaced Busquet in the second half – but when the team landed in Europe again, approaching the new campaign, the young midfielder suddenly disappeared from the first team.
A doubtful future and the Arsenal link
What happened? The explanation may be either that Luis Enrique was not convinced enough about Samper´s suitability in the squad or that the player fearing another season with the reserves could have asked for a move and consequently upset the club. Both hypothesis could be valid and perhaps both happened. That also may help to understand why youngsters like Gerard Gumbau and Juan Camara suddenly went ahead of Samper especially now that Luis Enrique is without many players through injuries. In the same day Gumbau debuted at Camp Nou against Levante, Samper was playing third-tier football in Olot. It seems very bizarre that a player of his talent and potential is not taken in consideration unless it is due to a disciplinary measure.
Samper could have felt as he was on a crossroad. Remaining in Barcelona or leaving. As his chance to be part of the first-team were extremely limited, a move would surely aid his development. And Samper would not be the first player who, despite the promises was forced to prove himself far from the Camp Nou: Bojan Krkic, Giovani Dos Santos, Gerard Delofeu, Tello are just some of the several youngsters who couldn´t earn a place in Blaugrana and therefore tried to be successful elsewhere.
In July, Mundo Deportivo claimed that Porto and two unmentioned clubs of La Liga were interested in Samper adding that Arsene Wenger was also in the race as the Frenchman had identified the midfielder as Mikel Arteta´s replacement. Samper had already rejected Arsenal´s offer twice, the first time in 2011 when the English club snatched Bellerin and Toral away from Catalonia and the second time in 2014.
However, nowadays it´s very difficult to understand if a rumour is true or just made-up (partially or entirely) by tabloids, especially if regarding a club like Arsenal. A good explanation about Samper´s link with the Gunners could be found in an article published by El Confidential
The Spanish newspaper claimed that it was the father of Sergi Samper who took the initiative and contacted the English club, proposing his son to the Gunners and not viceversa. He also criticized Pere Guardiola, Sergi Samper´s agent (and Pep Guardiola´s brother too), for having made the interest of Barcelona rather than helping his client to sort out the mess. On the other hand, the agent had a contrasting version: Arsenal were truly interested and ready to pay the release clause.
Will Samper be a bargain for Arsenal? His clause is understood to be around €12m, but at the age of 20, he doesn´t seem to be Wenger´s typical signing. The Arsenal boss is always keen to launch youngsters at Emirates but he usually prefers to bring players of 16 or 17, when a potential diamond is still rough rather than at 20. At that age, a footballer should have already proved himself to claim the payment of a certain fee. Undoubtedly, €12m may be seen as a small amount of money for a future star but, with that figure, a club could buy a dozen of players – let´s say a promising 16-year-old costs around €1m – and let him thrive according to the Arsenal way in the following 3-4 years. As a 20-year-old and with that fee, Samper should be able to play Premier League football instead and slot into the Gunners squad as soon as he would land in England.
Recently, Wenger has used that policy: Theo Walcott (he was 16 years old when arrived at Arsenal), Aaron Ramsey (17), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (17) Francis Coquelin (17) and Héctor Bellerín (17) – just to cite members of the current squad – all came in London as teenagers, although some of them jumped straight to the first team. In addition, when the Frenchman went for an older player, he demanded experience as he did with Calum Chambers, who had already played 22 games in Premier League when he joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2014.
The purpose is to make life easier for a young footballer. Abroad, far from the family, a 16-year-old needs time to settle in a new dimension. Even the language barrier represents a hindrance and often a player may become frustrated by numerous factors: a new lifestyle, an unexpected injury and consequent lack of confidence. Therefore, it takes time to adapt and develop as footballer. The example of José Antonio Reyes could be useful to explain such difficulties. In 2004, the talented Spanish winger was signed for £10.5 m, a quite good sum back then. Reyes was just 21 and in two seasons with Arsenal he alternated very good exhibitions with lacklustre performances. Nevertheless, he struggled hugely to settle down more off the field than on. For a lad coming from the carefree Andalusia – where people have lunch at 4 pm and dinner at 11 pm, and the average temperature in November is 15 degrees – facing the dull weather and the British lifestyle would have been arduous and that became soon a big stumbling blocks in his stride. Reyes went back to Spain in 2006, and since then – a part one season in Portugal with Benfica – he has been plying his trade only in his country.
These may be the reasons why Arsenal didn´t sign Samper last summer and why they could not interested in buying at all. At least, not at his original price. However, Samper could be on his way out of Barcelona soon, perhaps in January or at the latest next summer. A loan in a Spanish mid-table outfit could be a good step forward but it is not even ruled out the possibility – in case Barça will find the right buyer- that he may be sold.
Guest blog by @JuriGobbini
Arsenal Eye Rodrygo Move as Gyokeres Alternative Emerges
Arsenal are seriously considering a summer move for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, viewing the Brazilian as the missing piece in their title puzzle. The 24-year-old has become available as Madrid reshape their attack around Mbappe and Vinicius, and Arteta sees him as the natural left-footed winger they’ve desperately needed.
While the Gunners have also been tracking Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting CP, Rodrygo offers something different – proven quality at the highest level and the kind of big-game mentality this Arsenal squad has been questioned about in crunch moments.
What Arsenal Would Be Getting
Goals When It Matters Rodrygo isn’t just a highlights reel player. He’s scored 12 goals and grabbed 9 assists this season despite being rotated regularly in Madrid’s loaded attack. His 18.2% shot conversion rate is well above average for wingers in La Liga, and more importantly, he turns up when the lights are brightest.
His Champions League record tells the story – crucial goals against Chelsea, City, and other Premier League sides prove he can handle the pressure. That’s exactly what Arsenal have been missing in their title runs.
Technical Profile The Brazilian solves Arsenal’s right-wing problem in one move. His left foot provides natural balance, cutting inside to create or shoot while allowing Saka to potentially move to the left or giving Arteta tactical flexibility. At 5’7″ with quick feet, he navigates tight spaces well and consistently beats defenders one-on-one.
His crossing from wide areas is genuinely excellent, and he’s averaging 2.3 key passes per game this season. Not just a goalscorer, then – he creates plenty for others too.
Fits Like a Glove Tactically Under Ancelotti, Rodrygo has played right wing, left wing, and false nine, often switching mid-game. That versatility is perfect for Arteta’s system, where wingers drift inside to create overloads. His defensive work has improved massively – 1.8 tackles per game shows he gets the modern winger role.
The Gyokeres Factor
Arsenal’s interest in Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres adds another layer to their summer planning. While the Swedish striker has been prolific in Portugal, Rodrygo offers Premier League-tested quality and immediate integration into Arteta’s setup. The Brazilian’s experience against English opposition in Europe means no adaptation period – something crucial in a title race.
-> READ MORE: Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal: Scout Report + SWOT Analysis
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Clutch Gene Simple as that – Rodrygo delivers in big moments. His 0.73 goals per 90 in Champions League knockouts over three seasons is elite. Arsenal have bottled too many crucial games; this guy thrives in them.
Perfect Tactical Match Everything about his game suits Arteta’s vision. Drifts inside naturally, creates space for overlapping fullbacks, provides the left-footed balance they’ve missed since Alexis left. He’s basically made for this system.
Premier League Ready Unlike most La Liga signings, he’s repeatedly faced Premier League teams in the Champions League and performed. No concerns about physicality or pace – he’s already proven he can handle it.
Weaknesses
League Form Questions While he shines in big games, his La Liga consistency isn’t perfect – just 8 goals in 23 league appearances. The week-to-week grind of Premier League football might expose this.
Aerial Limitations Wins only 31% of aerial duels, which limits Arsenal’s attacking options from set pieces and crosses. Not a deal-breaker, but something Arteta would need to work around.
Opportunities
Title Difference-Maker Arsenal’s squad lacks a winger who can single-handedly decide matches. City look vulnerable, Liverpool inconsistent – the right addition could tip the balance.
European Catalyst His Champions League pedigree could transform Arsenal’s knockout mentality. Sometimes it’s about believing you belong at that level.
Threats
Price Tag Pressure Madrid won’t sell cheap – probably €80-100m. That’s serious money that could backfire if he doesn’t adapt quickly.
Wage Structure Risk His salary demands might upset Arsenal’s carefully managed structure and create problems with current players.
-> READ MORE: Rafael Leao to Arsenal: Scout Report + SWOT Analysis
Bottom Line
Rodrygo makes sense on every level except the price tag. He addresses Arsenal’s biggest tactical need, brings proven big-game quality, and fits perfectly into Arteta’s system. While Gyokeres offers a different option as a central striker, Rodrygo’s versatility and Premier League experience make him the smarter move.
The question isn’t whether he’d improve Arsenal – it’s whether they can afford to make it happen without compromising other areas of the squad. In a tight title race where margins are tiny, sometimes you need to take calculated risks. This feels like one worth taking.
-> READ MORE: Benjamin Sesko to Arsenal: Scout Report + SWOT Analysis
Viktor Gyokeres has left the door open for a potential summer move to Arsenal after his response when quizzed about his future. The Sporting CP striker’s reply has caught attention, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealing the Swedish international’s stance on potential links to North London.
When pressed about his future plans, Gyokeres offered a diplomatic yet revealing response: “It’s impossible to say, we never know what happens in football.” The 26-year-old striker then addressed the Arsenal speculation directly, stating: “Arsenal links? I don’t know anything. My focus was on the games. If the links were true then… we will see this summer.”
It’s that phrase – “we will see this summer” – that has caught Arsenal supporters’ attention. Rather than dismissing the speculation, Gyokeres appears to be keeping his options open for summer discussions.
The timing of these comments couldn’t be more significant. Arsenal’s pursuit of a proven goalscorer has been well-documented, with Mikel Arteta’s side falling short in the title race due to inconsistent finishing. Gabriel Jesus has struggled with injuries and form, while Eddie Nketiah’s departure has left Arsenal light on attacking options.
Gyokeres’ explosive form at Sporting CP has made him one of Europe’s most coveted strikers. The former Coventry City forward has netted an impressive 66 goals in 68 appearances since joining the Portuguese giants, establishing himself as a lethal finisher capable of leading the line for a title-challenging side.
Arsenal’s interest appears genuine, with reports suggesting the Gunners have been monitoring the Swedish international throughout the season with some reports even suggesting that Gyokores’ move is all but confirmed. His comments to Romano suggest he’s aware of the speculation and isn’t ruling out a move, despite maintaining his focus on current commitments.
The striker’s measured response also indicates a professional approach to transfer speculation. Rather than fueling rumors or making bold declarations, Gyokeres has positioned himself perfectly – remaining committed to Sporting while acknowledging that football’s unpredictable nature means anything could happen.
-> READ MORE: 3 Tactical Reasons Why Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal Makes Perfect Sense
Would Gyokeres tactically fit in at Arsenal?
Summer transfer windows often hinge on such statements, and Gyokeres’ words suggest he’s prepared for potential discussions. Arsenal’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements is expected to intensify once the season concludes.
Tactically, Gyokeres would provide Arsenal with the clinical edge they’ve desperately sought. His physical presence, aerial ability, and intelligent movement in the box would complement Arsenal’s creative midfield perfectly. The Swedish striker’s knack for finding space and his composure in crucial moments make him an ideal fit for Arteta’s system, offering the ruthless finishing that could transform the Gunners from title challengers into genuine champions. His versatility to drop deep and link play would also suit Arsenal’s fluid attacking approach, making this potential transfer a perfect tactical marriage.
-> READ MORE: Arsenal’s Next Saka? Scout Report of Max Dowman who is set for First-Team role
Arsenal’s Leao Pursuit: Tactical Fit and Transfer Analysis for the Portuguese Winger
Arsenal’s pursuit of AC Milan’s Rafael Leao could transform their attacking options under Mikel Arteta. The Portuguese winger brings pace, technical ability, and tactical intelligence that fits the Premier League’s demands perfectly.
Player Profile and Current Form
Leao operates as AC Milan’s left winger in their current system. At 6’2″, he combines physical presence with pace and agility that makes him dangerous in transition. His ability to drift between the lines has evolved significantly, creating overloads while maintaining width through overlapping full-backs.
Recent performances show his development as a complete forward. His progressive carries and successful dribbles highlight his ability to advance play individually – complementing Arsenal’s possession-based approach perfectly.
Tactical Fit Within Arteta’s System
Arteta’s system centers on numerical superiority in central areas while maintaining attacking width. Leao fits seamlessly into this approach, particularly in the left-sided role.
Unlike traditional touchline wingers, Leao’s comfort in half-spaces would enable fluid attacking rotations. His deep positioning creates space for overlapping defenders while his pace threatens high defensive lines.
The Portuguese tracks back effectively and shows improved discipline in defensive shape. This work rate suits Arteta’s demands where wide forwards contribute significantly in defensive transitions.
Alternative Targets and Transfer Context
Arsenal’s attacking recruitment extends beyond Leao. The club has identified Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko as alternative striker options. Gyokeres brings proven goalscoring pedigree from the Portuguese league, while Sesko offers youth and potential despite his inconsistent performances.
This multi-pronged approach suggests Arsenal prioritizes attacking reinforcement regardless of position. Leao’s versatility across the front line makes him attractive compared to more specialized strikers, offering tactical flexibility Arteta values highly.
->READ MORE: Arsenal’s Next Saka? Scout Report of Max Dowman who is set for First-Team role
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Pace and Acceleration: Leao’s speed makes him dangerous on the counter-attack. His ability to exploit space behind defensive lines would add directness to Arsenal’s build-up play.
Technical Versatility: Comfortable on both feet and across the front line, Leao offers tactical flexibility. His crossing ability enhances Arsenal’s wide threat.
Physical Presence: At 6’2″, he provides aerial threat while possessing strength to hold up play and bring teammates into attacks.
Mental Strength: Performances in Champions League and title races demonstrate resilience under pressure.
Weaknesses
Consistency Issues: Leao can drift out of games, particularly against deep-lying defenses that limit space in behind. His shot conversion rate (12.8%) suggests room for improvement in clinical finishing.
Defensive Positioning: While his work rate has improved, Leao occasionally loses concentration in defensive phases, which could be exploited by Premier League teams’ quick transitions.
Adaptation Period: Moving from Serie A’s tactical environment to the Premier League’s intensity represents a significant adjustment that could affect immediate impact.
Opportunities
Premier League Suitability: The league’s high tempo and space available on the counter-attack could suit Leao’s strengths perfectly, potentially elevating his output beyond current levels.
Arteta’s Development: Working under Arteta’s tactical guidance could refine Leao’s positional discipline and decision-making, similar to improvements seen in other Arsenal forwards.
Commercial Value: A high-profile signing would enhance Arsenal’s global profile while potentially increasing shirt sales and sponsorship appeal.
Squad Depth: Adding quality depth in attacking areas would allow rotation in multiple competitions while maintaining tactical flexibility.
Threats
Adaptation Risk: The transition to Premier League football isn’t guaranteed to be smooth, with numerous high-profile signings struggling initially.
Financial Outlay: Milan’s likely asking price (reportedly around £67 million) represents significant investment that could limit other transfer activities.
Competition: Other elite clubs monitoring Leao’s situation could drive up the transfer fee or wage demands beyond Arsenal’s comfort zone.
Tactical Disruption: Integrating a new player into established attacking patterns could temporarily disrupt the team’s rhythm and understanding.
->READ MORE – 3 Tactical Reasons Why Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal Makes Perfect Sense
Transfer Assessment
From a tactical perspective, Leao represents an ideal fit for Arsenal’s evolving system. His combination of pace, technical ability, and improving tactical intelligence addresses several areas where the Gunners could strengthen. The Portuguese’s versatility across the front line would provide Arteta with options to rotate and rest key players while maintaining attacking threat.
However, the financial commitment required – likely exceeding £67 million, if you include the add-ons – demands careful consideration. Arsenal’s previous investments in attacking players haven’t always yielded immediate returns, and Leao’s adjustment period could prove costly if the team’s momentum suffers.
The timing appears opportune, with Milan potentially willing to sell if their valuation is met, and Leao reportedly interested in testing himself in the Premier League. For Arsenal, securing a player of his caliber could represent the difference between competing for top-four positions and challenging for major honors.
-> READ MORE: Leandro Trossard’s Wife Drops Major Exit Hint After Final Emirates Game
Conclusion
Rafael Leao to Arsenal represents more than just a high-profile signing – it’s a statement of intent that could transform the club’s attacking dynamics. His pace, versatility, and developing tactical maturity make him an ideal candidate to thrive under Arteta’s guidance while addressing Arsenal’s need for greater attacking depth and directness.
The transfer’s success would ultimately depend on Leao’s adaptation to Premier League intensity and Arsenal’s ability to integrate his unique skill set into their established patterns. If executed successfully, this signing could prove pivotal in Arsenal’s pursuit of sustained success at the highest level.
-> READ MORE: 3 Pacey Wingers Arteta Could Sign to Fight Liverpool and City for the title
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