Dazzling £26m Brazilian reportedly wanted by Arsenal makes world’s top youngsters list

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A player reportedly on the radar of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been named in Goal’s NxGn 2020 list of the top footballers born on or after 1 January 2001.

According to Yahoo Brasil, the Gunners are keeping tabs on Palmeiras teenager Gabriel Veron, while Premier League rivals Everton previously saw a 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.

As mentioned in the Evening Standard, the 17-year-old has recently broken 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 U-17 World Cup last September, and was awarded the Golden Ball.

His exploits saw him ranked at number 34 on Goal’s NxGn 2020 list.

“Like many other Brazilians, Selecao legend Bebeto knew very little about Gabriel Veron before watching “the No.7 producing beautiful plays” during the country’s stirring Under-17 World Cup win at the tail end of 2019,” wrote Goal.

“The winger waltzed away with the Golden Ball, after contributing three goals and two assists to the hosts’ triumph, before then going on to net twice in just his second appearance for Palmeiras.

“It is, thus, already clear that the boy named after Juan Sebastian Veron has every chance of having just as successful a career at the highest level.”

TBR View:

Veron is 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.

With Edu in their boardroom ranks, Arsenal have increasingly been looking to the Brazilian market in recent months, so one would think the Gunners stand a good chance.

While a reported £26million price tag appears a bit steep for a 17-year-old, it’s a risk worth taking given his potential – not to mention the Bebeto seal of approval.