If reports are true, Edu could soon repeat Martinelli masterstroke at Arsenal

Arsenal have struck gold in recent years when it comes to snapping up young gems and turning them into stars.

Gabriel Martinelli is the best example of this, the Gunners paying just £6million for him back in 2019.

That same year, Arsenal bought William Saliba, though he cost considerably more than Martinelli.

Both players had to bide their time to become first-team regulars as they developed their game.

Now, Martinelli and Saliba are two of the first names on Mikel Arteta’s team sheet.

Marquinhos has shown similar glimpses of quality since joining Arsenal this year for a mere £3million.

And if recent reports are true, Edu could be about to pull off something similar with another young talent.

Arsenal have been in talks over Corinthians and Brazil Under-20s defender Robert Renan, according to Goal.com.

As well as the Gunners, the likes of Chelsea and Zenit Saint-Petersburg are apparently hoping to land Renan.

Goal.com report that the teenager has a €50m (£44m) release clause.

Apparently, Renan was a target for Wolves over the summer.

They had hoped that a move for less than £10million could be completed, but that wasn’t the case in the end.

That said, with his contract expiring in 2024, it remains to be seen whether Corinthians may accept less than his release clause.

Arsenal target Renan – factfile

Renan has come through the ranks at Corinthians and has made seven senior appearances for the club.

While this seems low, manager Vitor Pereira said that he wished he had trusted the 19-year-old sooner (football.london).

The Corinthians boss also lauded Renan after he came off the bench to set up a goal in the 4-0 Copa do Brazil win over Santos.

“Robert, as soon as he entered the game, played a pass between lines. One of the most difficult passes to producem” he told Central Do Timao.

“This shows his confidence and quality. He has to grow but he has potential.

“He’s a player who will fly to other levels, without a doubt. He is fast, he is technical and he has personality.”