Scouting report- FC Dallas midfielder Brek Shea + Video

With the January transfer window just days away, speculation is rife about who the Gunners might sign next month. This extends to the Reserves and Youth teams as well and, over the next few days, I will be providing in depth scouting reports on potential targets and the likelyhood of them coming to Arsenal.

Kicking off the series is American Brek Shea (full name Dane Brekken Shea), an extremely versatile player currently representing FC Dallas in the MLS.

At 6ft 3in (191 cm), Shea towers over many players his age and is capable of playing in almost every outfield position. However, he is most comfortable on the left-side, and mainly operates as a left-winger although he is equally adept as a left-back or central-midfielder.

Comfortable in possession, Shea made his MLS debut for Dallas in April this year after being drafted in as part of the 2008 MLS Superdraft and signing a Generation Adidas contract.

His current deal expires a year on Wednesday and Dallas are keen to hold onto the prospect. However, the player himself is very ambitious and would welcome a move to the Gunners. Shea is currently estimated to be worth around £95,000 but it is thought that any interested parties would have to fork out as much as £180,000 for the 18 year-old.

Regarded as one of the brightest talents in the improving MLS, Shea has drawn high-praise from former Gunner Steve Morrow who ended his career at Dallas in 2004. Morrow is currently International Partnerships Performance Supervisor at Arsenal and is believed to have recommended the player to the Gunners.

Shea uses his height to good advantage and is also a very committed player when needs be but there are question marks over whether he would manage to adapt successfully to the English game.

Another potential problem is that a Work Permit would be required for Shea to join Arsenal, which could see negotiations stall.

However, if Arsenal did go to the effort of bringing Shea to the club then the chances are that they will be rewarded once he has acclimatised to the English style of play. A flair player, Shea is not known for bringing opponents into the game and prefers to go for glory himself (which might not be a bad thing). He has good technique and a deft first-touch and, if he did join the Gunners, would most likely cut his teeth in the Reserve side before stepping up to the first-team.

The American market is not one left untapped by Arsenal, who have established a strong link with another MLS side, Colorado Rapids, and have also brought in the likes of Danny Karbassiyoon in the past.

Shea, who has represented the USA at both U-17 and U-20 levels does not have the best of scoring records, although that is something which could improve with age.

So, the ultimate question is: Is he good enough to play for Arsenal? At first glance, probably not, but with a couple of years’ hard graft and adaption to the English game anything is possible. With Gilles Sunu reportedly set to join Lyon in the summer, opportunities could open up for Shea on the left-wing in particular, although, as mentioned previously, he is happy to slot in anywhere if required.

As with any promising youngster, Brek has also been linked with Manchester United in the past, but the lure of regular football might just convince him to come to Arsenal (a la Aaron Ramsey).

If Shea did come to the Gunners, either next month or in the summer, and make a strong impression then it could pave the way for yet more bright young things from American shores to jump ship to the Emirates.

Below is a video showcasing Shea’s journey through American football, with some footage of him in action.

Click here to watch the video