Reported Wolves and Arsenal target Kaio Jorge wants to leave Santos and was left out of the club’s Copa do Brazil clash on Thursday, as reported by Lance.
This has been a saga with more twists than an M Night Shyamalan thriller.
A few months ago, Edu’s Arsenal appeared to be in pole position for a man dubbed ‘the new Neymar’ by some, given his stylistic similarities with another man who made a name for himself in the gleaming white shirt of Santos (Calciomercato).
It was another Premier League club who went one step further, however, with Wolverhampton Wanderers launching a bid for the 19-year-old Jorge in June (A Bola).
As it stands, however, the smart money is on Juventus.
It is understood that the Serie A champions are in talks over a deal that would see the former Brazil U17 star follow in the footsteps of Douglas Costa, Dani Alves, Emerson and Felipe Melo in Turin.
Are Wolves and Arsenal about to miss out on ‘the new Neymar’?
Jorge was conspicuous by his absence as Santos thrashed Juazeirense 4-0 last night and, according to coach Fernando Diniz, the uncertainty surrounding his future was the reason for Jorge’s omission.
“What I know, from Kaio’s own mouth, is that he wants to leave,” said Diniz.
“Let him leave when he has to leave, but leave Santos well. If it stays, he will be played. He is important and difficult to replace.”
According to UOL Esporte, Jorge, who has also been compared to Andriy Shevchenko, has already agreed a four-and-a-half year deal with Juventus.
It is not over until the fat lady sings, however and, while she certainly appears to be warming up her vocal chords, the door is still open for Wolves and Arsenal.
It is understood that Santos will accept just £5 million for Jorge now, having failed to extend a contract due to expire at the end of this year.
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