Sunderland set sights on Swedish sensation who’s wowed Arsenal and Chelsea scouts

Sunderland’s second season again within the Premier League has delivered a far harder opening than their first marketing campaign.

The Black Cats completed seventh final time period and earned an historic place within the Europa League, however they’ve collected solely 4 factors from their opening six league video games.

Régis Le Bris’ facet sit seventeenth after one victory, one draw and 4 defeats, and final weekend’s defeat to Brighton prolonged their dropping league streak to a few matches.

There was a response in Europe on Thursday, as Sunderland got here from behind to beat Torreense 2-1 following their opening Europa League victory over AZ Alkmaar.

That consequence ought to restore some confidence earlier than Sunday’s journey to Bournemouth.

The Cherries are one place and one level under Sunderland, having didn’t win any of their first six league matches, and victory on the Vitality Stadium would give the guests respiration room, whereas defeat would drag them proper into the underside three.

Le Bris should handle drained legs after the journey to Portugal, however he’ll know that is the kind of sport Sunderland must deal with if they’re to steadiness Europe with one other snug Premier League season.

Recruitment employees are additionally persevering with to look past the speedy battle.

Sunderland eye Oliver Mansson as Arsenal and Chelsea take discover

REUTERS/Scott Heppell

TEAMtalk reporter Graeme Bailey says Sunderland have despatched scouts to run the rule over IFK Goteborg midfielder Oliver Mansson, who’s attracting curiosity from a number of English golf equipment.

Arsenal and Chelsea observers are mentioned to have been significantly impressed by {the teenager}’s performances, with Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest having additionally taken a glance, leaving Sunderland with severe competitors in the event that they determine to behave.

Mansson is barely 17 however has already stepped up into senior soccer in Sweden.

He made his aggressive first staff debut on the age of 16 and has since been trusted in central and defensive midfield roles.

The Sweden youth worldwide is round six ft tall and combines that helpful body with composure on the ball.

For Sunderland, the attraction can be concerning the future slightly than discovering an prompt reply to their present league issues.

Granit Xhaka stays the skilled chief in Le Bris’ midfield, whereas Enzo Le Fée and Noah Sadiki provide totally different qualities round him. Mansson may arrive as a participant to develop progressively earlier than competing for a daily senior function.

Motion Photographs by way of Reuters/Lee Smith

That method would match Sunderland’s current recruitment work, because the membership have already proven a willingness to put money into younger expertise and provide a clearer route in the direction of first staff soccer than many conventional heavyweights.

That pathway may turn out to be their strongest argument.

Arsenal and Chelsea could possess better monetary energy, however Mansson and his representatives should additionally take into account the place his improvement can be greatest served.