The Gunners are reportedly interested in the Brazil Under-17s captain, who is on Flamengo’s books but is yet to make a first-team appearance.
A number of Arsenal fans have taken to Twitter to give their thoughts on the transfer report linking the Emirates Stadium outfit to Flamengo teenager Reinier Jesus.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, the 17-year-old midfielder is on the Gunners’ radar, though Real Madrid are also believed to be in the running for the youngster.
The report says Arsenal are “very interested” in Jesus, who has captained Brazil at youth level and has scored five goals in nine games for the Selecao’s Under-17s.
Jesus has been referred to as a “Kaka clone” (Goal.com) while modelling his game upon France legend Zinedine Zidane – who has returned to the Bernabeu as head coach.
The Mirror, meanwhile, says Jesus is regarded as one of the hottest young prospects in South America and has a £60.5million release clause, despite not having yet made a first-team appearance for Flamengo.
With Arsenal not having qualified for the Champions League, there is some scepticism around TMW’s claims that the Gunners “should be preparing an offer soon”, given their budget is not going to be on a par with the likes of Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and the El Clasico duo.
Then there is the issue of whether such a huge outlay should be made on a 17-year-old who is yet to make a senior appearance at any level, suggesting it would be a while before he can be ready for Arsenal’s first team.
Here is what some Gunners fans said on Twitter about the rumour:
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