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Domingos Quina: Profile of West Ham youngster linked with Arsenal

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 03:  Domingos Quina of West Ham United in action during the West Ham United training session at London Stadium in Queen Elizabeth

Could highly-rated youngster Domingos Quina be set to swap West Ham for Arsenal?

West Ham wonderkid Domingos Quina is being monitored by a number of top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, after a series of eye-catching performances for Portugal at the U19 Euros in Georgia.

The 17-year-old joined West Ham from Chelsea last summer with Slaven Bilic promoting him immediately to the first team squad, playing twice in the Hammers' UEFA Europa League qualifying campaign before the Premier League season began.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 14: Domingos Quina of West Ham United warms up prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Crystal Palace at Lo
Image: Quina moved to West Ham last year

Sky Sports News HQ understands Arsenal offered a contract to the teenager before he joined West Ham and remain keen on the talented youngster.

But who is this talented teenager catching Arsene Wenger's eye? We take a look…

Factfile

  • Name: Domingos Quina
  • Club: West Ham
  • Age: 17
  • Place of birth: Guinea-Bassau, west Africa
  • Position: Forward

Background

Born in Guinea-Bassau, west Africa, Quina spent most of his childhood in Portugal, where his ability was noticed by Portuguese giants Benfica.

Chelsea signed 13-year-old Quina to London on scholarship terms, and had high hopes for the flamboyant forward, with plans afoot to offer him a full contract.

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However, with FA rules meaning youngsters cannot be tied down until they turn 17, a host of Premier League clubs were watching him in the hope of being able to snap up his services.

Domingos Quina
Image: Quina joined Chelsea as a youngster

West Ham eventually won the race for his services, tying him down to his first professional contract which runs until 2019.

On joining the Hammers, Slaven Bilic promoted him immediately to the first-team squad, playing twice in the Hammers' UEFA Europa League qualifying campaign.

He was also a key figure for West Ham's PL2 side until injury ruled him out of the latter part of the last campaign, but his performances and development saw him awarded the prestigious Dylan Tombides Award for the outstanding player from West Ham's academy.

International honours

Quina has also played a pivotal role on the international stage, having helped Portugal U17s top their UEFA elite-round group - with scouts from several of the Premier League's top clubs in attendance.

Domingos Quina
Image: Quina is a pacey attacker who loves to dribble

In May 2016, he won the UEFA European U17 Championships and has helped Portugal's U19 side reach the semi-finals of this summer's European Championships.

Quina has put in some impressive displays at the tournament in Georgia, including a man-of-the-match performance in Portugal's 2-1 win against the Czech Republic.

Style of play

Quina has caught the eye with his penchant for a dazzling dribble and fleet-footed skills. Deployed predominantly as a No 10, his pace and poise means he is equally adept out wide or as part of a front three.

The West Ham youngster is capable of some spectacular strikes from distance, with one particular effort from a long way out for a Chelsea age-group side attracting plenty of attention on social media.

West ham
Image: Quina has played a key role Portugal U19s run to the European Championship semi-finals

Scouts were treated to another example of Quina's impressive accuracy from range, as he found the net in Portugal U17s' dominant 7-3 victory over their English counterparts at Burton Albion in August, 2015.

Last season, playing for West Ham's PL2 side, Quina scored a wonder-goal against Leicester City in the Premier League Cup, lobbing the goalkeeper from the halfway line in the 2-0 away win.

Such dynamism for someone so young is what has attracted so many suitors, with the spectacular goals a major plus.

What they said...

He is one of those players that you think if he doesn't make it, then which player will? He has got everything and it is now down to us and up to him how much he is going to improve and dedicate his life to achieve something that God gave him. There is no doubt he has something exceptional.
Slaven Bilic

What now?

Quina is being tracked by a number of top Premier League clubs after a series of eye-catching performances for Portugal at the U19 Euros in Georgia.

Arsene Wenger attends a press conference during Arsenal's pre-season tour in Sydney
Image: Quina is thought to have attracted the interest of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

But it's Arsenal who appear to be front runners for his signature, will they make another move this summer?

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