David Moyes’s West Ham United have now reportedly joined Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in the race for Santos striker Marcos Leonardo.
Arsenal were linked with Santos striker Marcos Leonardo earlier in the summer transfer window, and now in the final days, London and Premier League rivals West Ham United are actively trying to get a deal done for the Brazilian youngster.
West Ham United join Arsenal in race for Marcos Leonardo
Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has reported on Twitter that West Ham Director Tim Steidten is in Brazil now trying to get a deal done for Leonardo.
Yuri Alberto of Corinthians and Flamengo striker Pedro are on the radar of the Hammers as well.
Football Transfers reported in July that Arsenal were interested in signing Leonardo.
The report claimed that Arsenal have had scouts watching Santos striker Leonardo in action.
Football Transfers quoted Leonardo’s U13 coach Gustavo Roma as saying that the 20-year-old striker is “a really good finisher, he always manages to be in the middle of every middle, he’s very mobile and intense, with great instincts”.
Roma has added that Leonardo “has an eye for goal, he is a killer and born scorer”.
Santos would be willing to sell the 20-year-old striker for £20 million, according to the report.
Leonardo is only 20 now, and West Ham should not expect the Brazilian to make an immediate impact at London Stadium.
However, that Arsenal have scouted the Brazilian and like him is very encouraging for West Ham.
It tells you that Leonardo has potential.
Leonardo has made 15 appearances in the 2023 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.
The Brazil Under-20 international has scored eight goals and given two assists in those games.
West Ham won the UEFA Europa Conference League last season and will play in the UEFA Europa League this campaign.
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