Arsenal technical director Edu appears to be continuing a thorough scouting mission in South America ahead of what is expected to be another busy transfer window for the club this summer.
football.london has previously reported that the Gunners were looking at the South American market for potential signings as they adjusted to new Brexit regulations, and that still looks to be the case following a recent story published by Argentinian-based newspaper Cronica.
It's claimed that Arsenal scout, Everton Gushiken, was present for the Paraguayan League's top-of-the-table clash between Cerro Porteño and Libertad in order to watch centre-back Alexis Duarte from Cerro Porteño and striker Julio Enciso from Libertad. The report highlights the talent and 'great futures' both players have, which has led to interest from the Premier League.
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Arsenal and Gushiken are said to be aware of Cerro Porteño's demands of £3m for Duarte and that Libertad want over £7.6m for Enciso, who was close to joining Brighton & Hove Albion in January. The 18-year-old forward has scored 10 goals in 10 games so far in the Paraguayan Primera Division this season, already surpassing his record of eight goals across 39 appearances last year.
"He has speed, he can dribble. Julio is the real deal, he is in a stage of growth and has to take advantage," Libertad boss Daniel Garnero told reporters back in May. Enciso's agent, Pedro Aldave, revealed to Radio Monumental that clubs in England and Italy are asking about his client a lot before adding: "his destination is Europe."
Meanwhile, Duarte has helped Cerro Porteño keep seven clean sheets in 11 appearances which have seen them climb to the top of the table and most recently defeat Enciso's Libertad 4-0 during the match at the weekend. The 22-year-old primarily operates as a central defender but has also played at right-back on a few occasions.
If Arteta and Edu decide to opt for either player, it wouldn't be the first time South America has been at the centre of the Gunners' transfer dealings. As well as signing Pablo Mari from Flamengo in 2020, Arsenal acquired Gabriel Martinelli from Brazilian third division side Ituano for a fee in the region of £6m a year earlier, and it has turned out to be a masterstroke since. The 20-year-old has gone on to establish himself as one of the most talented members of the first-team squad and recently received senior call-ups for Brazil.
With there being a desperate need for extra strength in depth at Arsenal next season, deals for Duarte and Enciso would represent sensible yet exciting additions that would allow heavier investments in big names who can take them to the next level.
