Brazilian giants Santos believe reported Arsenal target Kaio Jorge is the “new Neymar” but fear they will be forced to sell the striker for far less than his £18 million price tag, as reported by Il Romanista.
Eight years after Barcelona paid £49 million to bring 21-year-old Neymar – mohawk and all – to Camp Nou, another Santos starlet could be about to follow in his footsteps.
But unless one of the biggest clubs in South American football is able to tie Kaio Jorge down to a new contract, there’s a real chance the much-coveted teenager will go for far less than his market value.
According to Il Romanista, Santos value Jorge at about £18 million.
But, with the 19-year-old due to become a free agent on 31 December, his price tag is diminishing daily.
“Kaio’s situation is complicated. He is three or four months away from entering the period when he can sign a pre-contract with another team and leave for free, leaving nothing for Santos,” president Andres Rueda said last week, as reported by ESPN.
“We have been negotiating for more than a month. The biggest goal is not to sell. It is not to lose a player the club has invested in, believed in and given free space to develop.
“(Keeping him) is our priority.”
According to Calciomercato, an Arsenal side that snapped up another Samba star by the name of Gabriel Martinelli two years ago is keen to raid Santos for their twinkle-toed talisman.
Il Romanista adds AC Milan and Roma have both held talks with Jorge, while La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid have identified the Brazil youth international as a long-term replacement for Luis Suarez.
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