Back in 2019, Arsenal completed the signing of Gabriel Martinelli, a relatively unknown 18-year-old from Ituano – a side playing in Brazil’s Serie C.
At the time, it wasn’t exactly a headline transfer, with many expecting the teenager to be one for the future, instead of an immediate first-team option.
However, in his debut season at the Emirates Stadium, Martinelli scored ten goals in 26 appearances to announce himself in England.
Now, Edu could be about to bring another Martinelli to the Premier League.
Arsenal want Brazilian wonderkid Savio
According to UOL, Arsenal are interested in signing 17-year-old forward Savio from Atlético Mineiro.
The South American news outlet believe a move for the teenage prodigy has been discussed internally at the Emirates Stadium among Arsenal staff.
Now, Savio – who idolises Ronaldinho – certainly has similarities to Martinelli.
Firstly, the pair can operate anywhere along the frontline.
As Transfermarkt shows, Savio prefers to play on the right, but can also be deployed on the left or as a centre-forward, just like Martinelli.
The teenager – also known as Savinho – is a direct forward like the Arsenal No.35, while both began their senior careers in the shadows of Brazil.
Unlike Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo, who Real Madrid spent heavily on, Martinelli was not a big-name wonderkid while in Brazil like someone such as Endrick is, and neither is Savio.
Is Savio the missing piece for Mikel Arteta?
At the moment, Arsenal’s frontline is seriously exciting.
Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe make up one of the most exciting attacks in Europe, as far as under-23 players go.
Last night in the 2-0 loss to Liverpool, Alexandre Lacazette stuck out like a sore thumb amongst the energetic trio, so Savio could well be the final piece Arteta needs in attack.
Of course, you could argue that he’s still too young, although that wasn’t an issue for Martinelli at a similar age, who grabbed his opportunity with both hands.
If Savio follows in his footsteps, Arsenal could have a phenomenal attacking quartet.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
