‘Need to sell’: President admits wonderkid could join Arsenal very soon

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Atletico Mineiro could sell Savio ‘in the next 15 to 20 days’ amid interest from Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester City, speaking to Radio Italia, via UOL. 

In recent months, some of the brightest young talents in Brazilian football have upped sticks and embarked on a life-altering journey across the Atlantic. 

Yuri Alberto joined Zenit St Petersburg after scoring goals for fun at Internacional. Kaio Jorge linked up with Juventus. Both Brenner and Talles Magno are now plying their trade in the MLS. 

There’s quite a difference between them and Savio, however.

Because, while Alberto, Brenner and co were talismanic presences at their former clubs, the same cannot be said of a 17-year-old wonderkid with a £50 million release clause in his contract. 

Savio played less than an hour of first-team football last season as Atletico Mineiro won their first Serie A title since 1971. 

So, with Atletico under pressure to raise funds via player sales, Savio feels like an obvious solution to those financial concerns. 

Is Savio heading to the Premier League?

“These are lengthy negotiations, which do not materialise overnight,” Coelho explains.

“In the next 15 or 20 days, the situations of both Pavon (Cristian Pavon, a Boca Juniors striker Atletico want to sign) and Savinho will be resolved.”

Savio’s agent admitted in January that Arsenal had shown an interest in the fleet-footed forward. 

The Gunners have signed a handful of Brazilian players since Edu’s return to the club as technical director. Including a then-little-known Gabriel Martinelli.

Man City are hoping to snatch Savio from under Arsenal’s nose, however. And Atletico are ready to accept offers of around £5.5 million (Guardian). 

“Atletico is a club that unfortunately need to sell a certain value per year of players,” Coelho adds. “We are studying which is the best deal.  

“You also need to know from the player if he is interested in being sold. If you are interested, you also have to settle your financial side with the buyer. It is a lengthy negotiation, which does not materialise overnight.”