Arsenal’s head scout in South America, Jonathan Vidallé, has offered rare insight into how the Premier League giants identify talent across the continent, admitting that one of his biggest frustrations was seeing Thiago Almada slip away.
Speaking to ADN Deportes, Vidallé recalled how he first spotted Almada at U15 level and tracked him closely over the years. Despite filing 56 individual reports, Arsenal ultimately opted against a deal, with Almada later earning a move to Atlético Madrid.
“I’ve known him since he was in the U15s. I always liked him,” Vidallé said. “Sometimes it’s frustrating when someone you spotted ends up succeeding elsewhere, but that’s part of the game.”
Blending instinct with modern tools
The Argentine, who once played for Provincial Osorno in Chile before working with Boca Juniors, has been part of Arsenal’s setup for more than a decade. He explained that while technology and data now dominate recruitment, his instincts remain central to how he assesses potential.
“Each year there are more tools and statistics to summarise players. I prefer to trust my instincts. Having been a footballer, I like watching matches live. You see how the kid behaves, how he reacts to the atmosphere and the opposition.” — Jonathan Vidallé, via ADN Deportes
For Vidallé, watching players repeatedly is essential: “You can’t just watch a player once or twice and decide if he’s good or not. They’re human, they have good and bad days.”
Scouting to fit Mikel Arteta’s blueprint
Arsenal’s system under Mikel Arteta has become a key reference point for scouts worldwide. Vidallé underlined that when searching for new signings, the club’s technical demands are clear.
“If I’m looking for a No.9, I already know how Arsenal’s striker plays. I know what attributes he must have to fit Arteta’s system,” he explained. Technical quality, intelligence and physical readiness are all non-negotiable in a league as demanding as the Premier League.
Influence of agents and the modern dossier
Vidallé was also candid about the pitfalls of youth recruitment. He warned that some agents risk stunting development by prioritising money too early:
“There are kids who play very well at 14 or 15, and suddenly they’re earning a lot without having achieved anything yet. Some agencies, often unknowingly, take away the desire to fight for a first-team spot.”
He also illustrated how far scouting has evolved with a remarkable example: “At the U20 World Cup in Argentina, two of my colleagues brought an eight or nine-page dossier on Declan Rice. It was so detailed it looked like an intelligence report. Age curves, mentality, how concentration changed during matches. That’s how deep we go now.”
A global network at Arsenal
Today, Arsenal’s operation reflects the scale of modern football recruitment. Vidallé revealed that eight scouts are dedicated solely to the first team across the world, supported by 14 video analysts who watch at least three matches daily. A further four to five staff members concentrate on youth recruitment in the UK.
The scale, he says, ensures that Arsenal remain proactive in identifying talent before rivals, combining the latest data with old-school live scouting.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William says Vidallé’s insights show why Arsenal’s recruitment has been so competitive in recent years:
“Arsenal’s scouting balance — data-driven yet human-led — is one of the most advanced in the Premier League. The regret over Almada is telling, but it also shows the level of scrutiny players go through. Arteta’s system demands very specific profiles, and scouts like Vidallé bridge the gap between raw talent and tactical suitability.”
Key Insights
- Arsenal scout Jonathan Vidallé admitted he filed 56 reports on Thiago Almada, but the club chose not to sign him.
- He insists instinct and live observation remain vital despite data-driven tools.
- Recruitment tailored to Mikel Arteta’s system is a key part of Arsenal’s approach.
- Warned of the negative influence of agents on young players.
- Arsenal’s global operation includes 8 first-team scouts and 14 analysts.
What’s Next for Arsenal’s scouting strategy?
As Arsenal prepare for the January transfer window, Vidallé’s comments underline the level of planning already in motion. The Gunners’ South American links remain strong, with a network capable of uncovering the next breakthrough talent before prices spiral.
For supporters, the regret over Almada serves as a reminder that no system is perfect — but the sophistication of Arsenal’s current model suggests they remain in prime position to secure elite prospects for years to come.
👉 Should Arsenal have taken a gamble on Thiago Almada when Vidallé first pushed for him?
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