Prior to the January transfer window, Arsenal is allegedly scouting talent in Brazil; Mikel Arteta and Edu in north London are supposedly interested in four individuals in particular.
At the Emirates, it appears that midfielders and strikers are the main focus of attention. Two midfielders who the Gunners are reportedly impressed with are Gabriel Moscardo, a young player from Corinthians, and Andre, a star for Fluminense.
Regarding forwards, it is rumoured that Santos striker Marcos Leonardo was recently scouted. A report from 90min stated that the 20-year-old intends to travel abroad for the winter, but he is not the only youthful forward connected to Arsenal.
Matheus Reis is Arsenal’s transfer target.
Arteta’s side is one of the interested parties with a connection to Fluminense starlet Matheus Reis, according to information released by the Italian outlet Calciomercato last week.
A “transfer market auction” could soon be sparked by the Brazilian team, according to the source, with four of the best clubs in the Premier League reportedly interested in the 16-year-old.
The article also mentions Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool. The 2007-born virtuoso is rumoured to have a powerful release clause at €50 million (£44 million), a sum that English clubs are unlikely to refuse.
The four-time Premier League winner acknowledged that scoring goals is not his “strong point” in a recent interview in Brazil, which journalist Chris Wheatley reported. For those in north London who use the 26-year-old as a striker, this may come as a first-time concern.
From injury difficulties to a small lack of confidence in front of goal at times, Jesus could one day see his throne seized by a rising talent like as Reis, who is already forming comparisons to the former Manchester City dynamo.
Given that he hasn’t yet played at the senior level in Brazil, signing the 16-year-old for an astounding £44 million would be somewhat dubious business. However, Arsenal is a club that has experience taking risks in South America, so they should definitely take this opportunity.
18-year-old Gabriel Martinelli from Ituano was signed by the Gunners in 2019 with the intention of “unlocking his full potential,” according to GOAL at the time of his arrival in England.
Martinelli, who is now an essential member of Arteta’s team, and Arsenal have both had great results, with Bukayo Saka on the other side also being trusted as a teenager to reach his current position.
Saka, who has already scored 14 goals and provided 14 assists in only 17 games this season, feeds off the intensity and menace that his Brazilian teammate provides from the left side, and Reis might provide the Englishman a similar kind of joy in the years to come.
Four of the Premier League’s best players are reportedly keeping an eye on the 16-year-old, so it’s unclear if the north Londoners are ready to take a chance and shell out up to £44 million for the teenager.