Brazilian goal machine wanted by Man United, Arsenal and Chelsea

Three of the Premier League’s top sides are set to battle it out for £35million-rated Benfica sensation Talisca in the coming months as his scintillating form continues.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho claims he has had his eyes on the talented Brazilian since 2012 but Arsene Wenger has also had his scouts watching the midfielder, while Manchester United also have an interest in him.

So talkSPORT takes a look at why the trio are looking so intently at the 20-year-old.

Name: Anderson Souza Conceição (known as Anderson Talisca or Talisca)
Date of birth: 1 February, 1994
Birthplace: Feira de Santana, Brazil
Position: Attacking midfielder/Forward
Club: Benfica
International appearances: Two (Brazil Under-23)

What’s the latest?

Arsenal are attempting to trump Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United as they look to lure Benfica star Talisca to England. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has sent scouts to cast their eyes over the forward but they will have to move fast with Jose Mourinho already speaking about his pursuit of the player.

Did you know?

1) Talisca joined Brazil side Bahia in 2009 and eventually graduated from their academy, making his debut in a game against Corinthians on July 7, 2013.

2) His first goal for the club came in his very next match as he helped them come from behind to beat Sao Paulo 2-1.

3) The starlet was then called up by Brazil’s Under-20s and took part in the 2013 Toulon Tournament with the Selecao.

4) Before leaving Brazil, Talisca helped the club lift the Campeonato Baiano (the state league in Bahia) for the 42nd time with a 4-2 aggregate win over Vitoria.

5) The youngster’s performances from midfield saw him compared with one Premier League star and eventually he earned the nickname ‘Yaya Talisca’.

6) A €4million move to Benfica swiftly followed and Jorge Jesus has reaped the rewards with him hitting eight goals in nine matches, including a hat-trick in a 5-0 win over Vitoria de Setubal.

7) Along the way, his form was so good he won the Primeira Liga Player of the Month award for both August and September and has admitted he is basing his game on compatriot Neymar.

8) Talisca then transferred his domestic form onto the European stage and scored Benfica’s winner in a 1-0 triumph over Monaco in the Champions League.

They say:

“I think Benfica hired well," said Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho. "They say Talisca is unknown, but he is only so unknown because he's only not playing in England because he doesn't have a work permit. If he had one, he would be here!

“There were many English teams, great teams and important, that wanted him. Moreover, there were those who wanted to sign him, even though he could not play for now.

“They wanted to sign him, put him in a minor league [on loan] and hope that eventually he came to be selected [for Brazil's national team], and would consequently then get the work permit.”

And when Benfica coach Jorge Jesus cast suspicion on his words, he countered: "I don't like when a professional colleague doubts my words. Talisca is one of two players we've been scouting since 2012."

He says:

"I am thinking only of Benfica. I know I have and am able to learn much from this wonderful group, with its supporters and with the coach."

Video evidence: