Rodrigo Bentancur says midfielder Arsenal reportedly want to sign is now ‘one of the best in the world’

Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has called reported Arsenal target Federico Valverde one of the world’s best midfielders.

Valverde is enjoying a great season with Real Madrid but Arsenal have been linked with a swoop for the Uruguayan international midfielder.

Spanish publication Defensa Central claimed Arsenal sent scouts to watch Mykhaylo Mudryk play for Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League against Real Madrid earlier this season.

But it was Valverde who grabbed their attention as the Gunners continue their search for a new central midfielder after missing out on Douglas Luiz on transfer deadline day before he signed a new contract with Aston Villa.

Bentancur on Valverde

In an interview with the Italian press, Bentancur said of his Uruguay teammate before the World Cup: “In South America, football feels different than in Europe.

“For us every minute is the last we live. I’m waiting the start of this World Cup but without too much anxiety.

“Uruguay has Valverde who is one of the best in the world in his role. There is Suarez and Cavani too; we can have a great World Cup.”

It would be a huge surprise if Arsenal were able to entice Valverde to come to the club despite how well the season is going so far.

Playing Champions League football would be the absolute bare minimum requirement to get him to join and Arsenal would probably need to win the league ahead of Manchester City to get him to consider coming.

Valverde’s value and stock could go even higher if he shines alongside Bentancur but Uruguay have a group of death alongside Portugal, South Korea and Ghana.