Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Brazilian winger Matheus Goncalves, who could join the Gunners in the summer.
What’s the latest on Arsenal’s interest in Goncalves?
Speaking on YouTube, journalist Jorge Nicola recently revealed that the north London side are amongst a host of Premier League clubs keeping an eye on the highly-rated teenager.
The 17-year-old, who has made two first-team appearances this season for Flamengo, turns 18 in August, which is when he would be able to make the switch to England from Brazil.
As per the source, there is currently a release clause in the Brazilian’s contract, which sits at a massive €100m (£87.7m).
Goncalves could be Gabriel Martinelli 2.0 for Mikel Arteta
Arsenal’s success this season has come due to a revamped squad mixed with both experienced players and youth. One of the key figures in their youthful approach is Martinelli, who signed from Ituano for just £6m.
The Brazilian international had taken some time to truly find his way into the Arsenal starting XI, but now he has, he has become one of the most important players in potentially spearheading the Gunners to their first Premier League since 2004.
As per FBref, the 21-year-old is outperforming his expected goals in the Premier League this season by 5.5 – a huge jump. This demonstrates the effect that Arteta has on wingers and how he moulds them into prolific scorers. The Spaniard had done it before at Manchester City with Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane, and now with Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
This shows that joining the Arsenal ranks in north London may help Goncalves reach similar heights to Martinelli, who currently has 14 league goals this season.
The approach from Edu Gaspar, who recently signed Marquinhos, to sign young Brazilian players would be in effect again if Goncalves does make the move to the Emirates.
The teenager has been in fine form for Flamengo’s youth teams this season, where he has been lauded as the “biggest gem” coming from their academy by former Flamengo manager Dorival Junior.
It would be a move that the Gunners have replicated before and would do so again if given the chance. Goncalves could join an Arsenal team that has a huge Brazilian influence, as Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhaes and Jorginho all were born there.
There is a real possibility for Arteta to find his Martinelli remake in the highly-rated 17-year-old.
While the price tag may put the league leaders off, the potential for Goncalves to grow will make a less expensive deal worthwhile.