Arsenal Locks Horns with Top Clubs in Fierce Battle for Record-Breaking Teen Sensation Endorsed by Club Icon

Competition for Givairo Read's services is heating up, according to reports from the Netherlands.

The speedy right-back from Feyenoord has become one of Europe's most exciting defensive prospects after his breakthrough at De Kuip last season. Read received his debut in senior football as a 16-year-old in March 2023 but waited 19 months before earning his first league start. The dynamic youngster has only missed two of Feyenoord's following 37 Eredivisie fixtures.

With a knack for surging into the attacking third and possessing exceptional distribution skills, Read is establishing himself as a formidable offensive threat. The Amsterdam-native became the youngest player this century to register three assists in a single Eredivisie encounter after his remarkable treble against FC Twente in March.

From the beginning of last season, Read has contributed to nine league goals for his colleagues, with three already coming from 10 matches this campaign. Observers from Arsenal, Manchester City and Bayern Munich have been monitoring these assured and inventive displays, as reported by De Telegraaf.

Bayern's attention has become so pronounced that it's reached the Feyenoord changing room. "Yes, there are jokes being made," Read acknowledged this weekend. "They suddenly speak German to me and things like that. But it's nice to experience."

The 19-year-old offered a measured response to the growing Premier League rumors. "It doesn't distract me, you know," he stated. "I'm content at Feyenoord and my progress here is all I'm focused on."

Givairo Read is a Creative Menace

Data via FBref. Correct as of Nov. 3, 2025.

Robin van Persie Backs Talented Leader

Present Liverpool manager Arne Slot was the coach who gave Read his Champions League introduction during his final season at Feyenoord. The Premier League champion was effusive in his praise for the youngster. "Read possesses several attributes that I appreciate," he commented at the time. "Quick feet. [He is] also unafraid to play, which matters when you must visit De Kuip."

However, much of his development has been shaped by Robin van Persie. The former Arsenal and Manchester United forward was managing Feyenoord's academy when Read consistently demonstrated he was superior to Europe's elite teenagers. Now appointed as the senior manager in Rotterdam, Van Persie has continued supporting the defender, elevating the youngster into the first-team's leadership circle.

"The coach has also expressed he has great belief in me," Read shared with reporters while joining the Netherlands U21 squad in September. "I feel privileged to be the third captain. It provides me with tremendous confidence; I'm willing to take greater chances."

Where Read might slot in at Arsenal remains uncertain. The Gunners already have depth at right-back, with Jurriën Timber performing exceptionally while competing with Ben White. Nevertheless, Mikel Arteta has shown willingness to accumulate promising talent, as demonstrated by the summer signing of Cristhian Mosquera.

Manchester City, conversely, have a clear vacancy at right-back that has existed since Kyle Walker's exit. Rico Lewis and natural midfielder Matheus Nunes have covered the position with varying degrees of success recently, but Read would provide a more suitable solution for that troublesome spot.