Arsenal are said to be interested in signing Estevao from Palmeiras, with Barcelona and PSG also keen to snap up the new Lionel Messi.
What’s the story?
Well, the above is according to Goal, who believe PSG have already submitted a bid for the 15-year-old prodigy.
Estevao – who has been nicknamed Messinho in Brazil – is already playing Under-17 football for Palmeiras despite being two years below that age group.
Goal add that Arsenal and Barcelona have contacted the teenager’s representatives to obtain more information about his situation, after PSG saw their offer rejected by the Brazilian side.
The Gunners – as well as the Catalans – plan to monitor Estevao across the next two years, and could even attempt to strike an agreement now, which would see the young attacker join in 2025.
As things stand, the Palmeiras wonderkid is too young to complete a transfer, and could only officially move to Europe from April 24, 2025 onwards, when he turns 18.
Nevertheless, Arsenal, Barcelona or PSG could still secure a pre-agreement now, and will simply have to wait until 2025 until they can see Estevao wearing their colours.
Arsenal right to pursue Estevao now
You may question why the Gunners are even bothering to make enquiries about Estevao right now, given the fact Mikel Arteta won’t be able to use him for three years.
Nevertheless, as we are currently seeing with another Palmeiras wonderkid in Endrick, these deals can be very difficult to complete given the amount of competition, so Arsenal are right to get involved early.
Endrick is currently being pursued by PSG, Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid, with the latter now prepared to invest over €60m (£52m) in his vast potential, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Therefore, you can understand why Arsenal are trying to get in early ahead of the chasing pack.
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