Reported Arsenal target Kaio Jorge is close to signing a new contract, with Santos president Andres Rueda telling Lance negotiations have “advanced” in the past few weeks.
Of course, that doesn’t mean a player rising quicky through the ranks at the club who gave us Neymar, Pele, Robinho and more is destined to stay in Brazil for the long haul.
According to UOL, Santos have already agreed to sell the 19-year-old striker in the summer transfer window, a plan the player and his family are more than happy with.
A new contract would merely serve to protect the market value of the club’s prized asset, with Jorge due to become a free agent in December as things stand.
So while the Brazil youth star is destined to depart, at least he wouldn’t be leaving on a free.
A sizeable cash sum would undoubtedly be some consolation for Santos.
“In the last month, the negotiation has advanced a lot,” says Rueda, who said a fortnight ago he was 80 per cent certain Jorge would put pen to paper.
Il Romanista recently suggested Santos were willing to sell the so-called ‘new Neymar’ for a knock-down fee of £17 million before his contract expires.
However, you can guarantee one of the biggest clubs in South America will demand a far larger fee should Jorge sign that new deal.
In March, Calciomercato reported Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal were one of a number of major European sides taking an interest in Jorge, opening talks with the youngster’s agent.
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