Arsenal have been linked with a move for 17-year-old Corinthians starlet Pedrinho. The prodigy is reportedly attracting interest from the Gunners after his impressive performances in Brazil.
Brazilian transfer guru Neto has claimed the north Londoners are monitoring the teenager's situation in South America. Speaking on his Os Donos da Bola show, he said: "You have Pedro... Pedro I don't know what's going on. If the kid is going to be sold to Arsenal... I don't know.
"Remember I told you, Vessoni? Because here’s the thing, he didn’t go to the World Cup to play. And he’s good with the ball. He came in every game and doesn’t come in anymore”
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But who exactly is Pedrinho and why are Arsenal scouting the Brazilian winger? football.london takes a closer look.
Who is Pedrinho?
Born in 2006, Pedro Henrique Silva dos Santos, Pedrinho, is a right-footed left winger who currently plays for Corinthians.
He joined the Brazilian side at the age of nine, initially featuring for their futsal team. In March 2022, he signed his first professional contract at the age of 16, keeping him at the club until at least 2025.
He currently has a €50m release clause in his contract.
Pedrinho has featured just 15 times for Corinthians' first-team, netting five times in just 629 minutes - a goal every 126 minutes.
The winger has also appeared for Brazil at U16-U20 level and has been compared to Brazilian legend Ronaldinho.
Why do Arsenal want him
The Gunners have become renowned for spreading their wings in the transfer market and have often dipped into the South American market, particularly due to sporting director Edu Gaspar's previous employment as the general coordinator of the Brazil national team.
Over the past few years, a number of Brazilian wonderkids have secured moves to Europe. Palmeiras forward Endrick had been regarded as the best talent to emerge from the country since Neymar and agreed to join Real Madrid for €60m.
Chelsea recently purchased Andrey Santos whilst Vinicius Tobias and Savio, on loan at Real Madrid and PSV, have made the move over from Brazil.
Pedrinho isn't the first Brazilian prodigy Arsenal have been linked with. Athletico Paranaense striker Vitor Roque, likened to the famous Ronaldo, has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Some of the current best players in the world have progressed through the academies in Brazil before establishing themselves as one of the elite in Europe. Real Madrid duo Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo made a name for themselves at Flamengo and Santos respectively whilst Casemiro and Eder Militao started their career in Brazil.
What has been said?
Last month, Pedrinho's teammate, Cassio, was full of praise for the 17-year-old. He told Globo Espore: "For me, Pedrinho has everything to be the best [young] player since I've been here. Exceptional. Trains a lot. The best boy I've seen. I hope it stays that way."
Arsenal's interest comes after Brighton and Newcastle were both linked. Reports from Brazil claimed the duo were expected to make bids at the end of the season.
With Pedrinho still so young, there's no rush to get the signing over the line just yet. However, should he continue to impress in Brazil, the battle for his signature will only grow.
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