According to UOL, Arsenal are refusing to give up on the signing of Atlético Mineiro wonderkid Savinho, as Manchester City close in on his signature.
What’s the story?
Well, this deal seemed to be done and dusted for Manchester City, but Arsenal are not going down without a fight.
It comes after Fabrizio Romano revealed that the Citizens had agreed a €6.5m (£5.3m) fee for Savinho, and even booked his medical tests.
UOL state that the Gunners are exploring ways in which they can make a more enticing offer, both financially and in terms of career progression for the 17-year-old.
Manchester City have already snapped up one Brazilian sensation in Kayky, so they clearly have strong connections in South America.
However, Arsenal have the Brazilian Edu as their Director of Football, and also showed their knowledge of South American football when finding Gabriel Martinelli from little-known Ituano in 2019.
Arsenal can fend off Manchester City
In our view, Arsenal are right to keep fighting for Savinho, as they are more than capable of pulling this deal off.
Yes, Manchester City have greater financial power, and as things stand, the teenager is more likely to win silverware at the Etihad Stadium.
However, the City Group are initially planning to send Savinho to Troyes, with a view to loaning him out to PSV Eindhoven.
In that respect, it could be years until the attacking prodigy tastes Premier League football.
Savinho is far more likely to gain regular first-team action at Arsenal, which could sway him towards London.
The Gunners have fewer attacking options compared to Manchester City, and in Mikel Arteta, they have a coach who clearly isn’t afraid to rely on youngsters – as seen in the rise of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
Keep an eye on this saga, as it isn’t over yet.
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