21 February 2024 , 11:18
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Down the years, Porto have provided a steady stream of talent sold for a big profit.
Big names like Luis Diaz, Eder Militao, Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez have all followed that familiar path. And while Porto striker Evanilson is another to be linked with a big-money move, this generation is unlikely to follow the successful path of the past.
Manchester United were linked with him probably more out of hope than expectation for a player who has represented Brazil at under-21 level but not beyond.
Evanilson, 24, scored four goals in the Champions League group stages - including a hat-trick against Royal Antwerp - and goes into the Arsenal game in good form, having scored five goals in his last six games.
But he is not the one that has got people talking as much as Iran striker Mehdi Taremi who is expected to leave Porto this summer to join Inter Milan. Taremi is expected to miss the Arsenal last-16 clash through injury and his contract expires this summer. Again, Porto probably would not have allowed that to happen in the past as they did value him at £20m last year.
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Beyond that, Porto keeper Diogo Costa has also been a regular with Premier League links as he is big, dominant and has plenty of self confidence.
In fact, Arsenal’s Brazil defender Gabriel could not really offer much of a diplomatic answer when he was questioned as to whether he knew Evanilson and what he made of his international chances.
Gabriel said: “Well, he is a player that I have been with a few times but I have not followed frequently so I know he is a player with great quality but I am sure it will be a great match.”
Mehdi Taremi expected to leave Porto this summer (Getty Images)Porto are currently third in the Portuguese league, seven points behind joint leaders Benfica and Sporting Lisbon. While they made the knock-out stages of the Champions League, Porto are not blessed with the stars of the past and they are hoping a new generation emerges from their talent pool at the club’s academy.
Even Porto boss Sérgio Conceição has found himself under pressure after a mixed season with the fans unhappy. Results have picked up in recent weeks but they are a long way from where the supporters expect.
For now, Evanilson will hope to put himself in the shop window in the two games against Arsenal. He has enjoyed domestic success with Porto but has yet to alert the biggest clubs - and this is his big chance.
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