Arsenal target Matheus Donelli has placed a Premier League switch on the backburner and wants to fight for his place at Brazilian giants Corinthians for the time being, according to Globo Esporte.
It’s been a theme of Edu Gaspar’s two-and-a-half year spell as Arsenal’s technical director. Samba starlet after Samba starlet linked with the North London giants.
And you can understand why Arsenal are continuing to run the rule over some of South America’s most exciting young talents.
We were all blown away by the remarkable impact Gabriel Martinelli made at the Emirates, after all.
Hailed by none other than Jurgen Klopp as ‘the talent of the century’ just two months after arriving as a little-known 17-year-old from FC Ituano, Martinelli is arguably the most inspired signing of the post-Wenger era.
Arsenal’s attempts to recapture lightning in a bottle, however, are proving easier said than done.
Yuri Alberto, a long-term target for the Premier League giants, opted for Zenit St Petersburg this week. Brenner, Kaio Jorge and Palmeiras enforcer Danilo have all slipped through Edu’s fingers.
And it seems we can add Matheus Donelli to that list.
Has Matheus Donelli made the right call turning down Arsenal?
According to Brazilian publication Bola Vip, Arsenal have been tracking the 19-year-old goalkeeper since 2019. That was around the time when Edu returned to the English capital. Coincidence? Probably not, in all honesty.
Edu has even drawn up a 19-page dossier on the talented Donelli, a sprightly young foal in Jorge Mendes’ prestigious stable.
Donelli opted against leaving Corinthians on deadline day, however, deciding that he’d be better served staying put and fighting for his place under head coach – and former Arsenal left-back – Sylvinho.
Furthermore, the teenager insists that he will only leave if Corinthians receive an offer that would benefit the club.
Donelli is not the only teenage Brazilian currently on Arsenal’s radar.
17-year-old Savio, a twinkle-toed winger tied to Atletico Mineiro, is another Serie A starlet on Arsenal’s radar. Savio’s agent confirmed last week that the Gunners have ‘surveyed’ the £50 million wonderkid.
Edu and co will be hoping that Savio takes a leaf out of Martinelli’s book. Though, given how Arsenal’s pursuit of other young Brazilians has gone recently, don’t hold your breath, Edu.
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