Arsenal reportedly want £26m gem deemed the new Gabriel Jesus, may have to be sold

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Reported Arsenal target Gabriel Veron has been compared to Gabriel Jesus by Palmeiras technical director Edu Dracena.

According to Yahoo Brasil, the Gunners are keeping tabs on the 17-year-old attacker, while Premier League rivals Everton previously saw a £12million bid for him turned down.

Veron, who was voted best player at the recent FIFA Under-17 World Cup, is also said to be in Barcelona’s sights.

The youngster recently broke into the Palmeiras first team, scoring two goals in four appearances to date since his debut in November last year.

At international level, Veron scored three goals as Brazil lifted the 2019 FIFA U17 World Cup last September, and was awarded the Golden Ball.

“I think he will be one of Palmeiras’ jewels,” Dracena told Yahoo Brasil. “Of course, he needs to be polished. We have to be calm (but he has) great potential. Fast, explosive player, I see him on the same path as Gabriel Jesus.

“I see a very promising path and it is up to him to listen and put it into practice. Veron will be very important for the club.”

TBR View:

Veron is a youngster of the highest calibre, a threat in front of goal, a superb provider of assists and a wonderful dribbler, with the potential to become his nation’s next superstar.

While Dracena’s comments suggest the prodigy’s going to stay put at Palmeiras, club managing director Cicero Souza recently suggested he may have to be sold soon to make ends meet.

“I think that the imminent need for a sale, whether it be from Veron or any other player, can only be done according to an evaluation in a month and a half, two months from now, when we will be more certain of what is to come,” Souza told ESPN.

“When football returns, how long will it take to have a box office again? How long will the gates be closed? We still don’t know. Perhaps there is a need for the sale (of Veron).”

While a reported £26million price tag appears a bit steep for a 17-year-old, his parent club’s financial uncertainty could perhaps lead to a reduction in value, maybe even closer to what Everton have reportedly bid.