Report: Arsenal have begun working to sign another Brazilian player, he could be their new Martinelli

By Shamanth Jayaram

According to Brazilian outlet UOL, Edu Gaspar’s Arsenal are working on a deal to sign Atletico Mineiro’s teenage sensation Savio.

The Gunners’ focus since the last transfer window has been on youngsters. Gone are the days when Mikel Arteta and Edu forked out outrageous amounts of money on players in their thirties.

Every player Arsenal signed in the last transfer window were 24 or under and it is clear as day that Arteta is building for the future.

One player who could be a real star in the future is Savio. The teenager has really impressed everyone while playing for Atletico Mineiro in Brazil this season.

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Arsenal are working to sign Brazilian teenager Savio

Savio, still only 17, has already made 21 senior appearances for the Galo this season.

A left-footed right-winger who reminds you of Leeds United star Raphinha when you watch him, Savio is viewed by many in Brazil as the next big thing.

Everyone expects him to move to a big club soon and Arsenal technical director Edu, who knows Brazilian football better than almost everyone else, has already started working on a deal to sign him, according to the report.

Savio cannot be signed by Arsenal in this window as he’s still only 17. However, he will turn 18 in April and if Edu really is keen, a deal can be finalised then.

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Savio could be the new Martinelli

The Brazilian influence at Arsenal has been big since Edu’s arrival. The Gunners have Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes, while David Luiz and Willian were also a part of the club until the end of last season.

That influence could continue if the rumours about Savio are true and the teenager could well become Arsenal’s new Martinelli.

Martinelli, now 20, joined Arsenal as an 18-year-old back when Unai Emery was at the helm. Nobody had really heard of him, but he came in and become an instant fan favourite at the Emirates.

Savio, also a winger who is quick and direct, can have the exact same impact if he ends up at Arsenal. However, it’s still early days and it will be interesting to see if other big clubs come in for him as soon as he turns 18 in three months time.

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