Arsenal reportedly eyeing ‘modern’ £18m striker with ‘Brazilian imagination’

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Reported Arsenal target Kaio Jorge has been described as a “modern striker” with “class, talent and Brazilian imagination”.

Calciomercato claimed earlier this month that the Gunners have made contact with the Santos striker’s agent.

However, Arsenal are far from the only ones linked with Jorge, a 19-year-old forward whose contract only runs until December this year.

Chelsea, Ajax, Lyon and Shakhtar Donetsk have also reportedly spoken to his agent, while Juventus are also said to be keen on Jorge.

Carlos Neto, his agent, has now suggested to Naples-based Radio Kiss Kiss – via Corriere dello Sport – that Jorge wants to play in Europe.

“The interest of Napoli in Kaio Jorge? I can say that all the Brazilian players arrive at a point in their career where they want to experience in Europe,” said Neto.

“Napoli is a great club where absolute talents like Diego Armando Maradona played, as well as Brazilian players like Careca and Alemao who made history with the Neapolitan club.

“I have not had any direct contact with Napoli but I am not surprised that they like Kaio Jorge.

“He is a modern striker, with class, talent and Brazilian imagination, he can do well in the penalty area but helps the team even outside the area too.”

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Jorge is a great prospect who has already clocked up 51 competitive appearances for one of Brazil’s leading clubs despite his young age.

That said, his tally of nine goals and one assist shows that there’s still a lot of work to be done, so in Arsenal’s case, he’d probably start out in the Under-23s.

Would Jorge be okay with this or would he rather be assured of first-team football right away?

Arsenal do have quite a few selling points, not least their Brazilian contingent that could help Jorge acclimatise more easily to life in England.

And while Santos reportedly want £18million for him, Il Romanista believes this value is dropping by the day – unsurprising given his contract expires at the end of the year.