Reported Arsenal target Kaio Jorge has made it clear that he wants to leave Santos for a European club this summer, president Andres Rueda told UOL.
The Gunners might have missed out on Fluminense midfielder Metinho and MLS starlet Brenner, but there is still a chance that another Samba starlet will be joining Gabriel Martinelli, David Luiz, Willian and co at the Emirates before long.
Calciomercato reported in March that Arsenal are battling a whole host of Serie A clubs for the sought-after signature of the so-called ‘next Neymar’.
Like PSG’s number ten, Kaio Jorge has risen through the ranks to great excitement at the Vila Belmiro, enhancing his growing reputation with three goals in his last two league matches.
According to Santos’ president, Jorge has his heart set on following in Neymar’s footsteps with a big-money move to Europe.
“Both the player and his family have come to the conclusion that it is time to go to Europe,” Rueda said.
Jorge is due to become a free agent in December and Santos are hoping to tie the 19-year-old down to a new contract in order to stop him leaving on the cheap.
“We continue to negotiate. As I have always said, it is difficult,” Rueda added.
Jorge has a £43 million release clause in his contract but, unless Santos can agree a new deal with one of Brazil’s most exciting young forwards, they may have no choice but to accept a much lower offer for their prized asset.
Il Romanista believe that £18 million could be enough to get the deal done.
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