Arsenal chief Edu targets next transfer coup as Brazilian wonderkid 'watched closely'

Arsenal are reportedly eyeing up the next starlet to emerge from Brazil as sporting director Edu Gaspar looks to use his connections to steal a march.

Palmeiras youngster Luighi Hanri Sousa Santos – commonly known as Luighi – has emerged as a bright talent for the future. The Gunners are understood to be ahead of the curve in the race to capture his signature as Europe’s elite begin to circle.

Reports suggest the north London outfit were one of several clubs to send scouts to run the rule over the teenager. Catalan outlet Sport claim Arsenal have ‘already tried to close down’ a deal, but saw their attempts rebuffed.

Luighi has already made his debut for the Brazilian club and there are high hopes he will be given a run in the team when he returns from international duty. He is currently playing at the South American U20 Championship for the Selecao.

Palmeiras have moved to the front of the queue when it comes to developing players with enormous potential in Brazil. They sold Endrick to Real Madrid for a whopping £65million in 2023, while Chelsea will pay £34m up front to sign Estevao Willian when he turns 18 in 2025.

Luighi may well be rated in the same bracket as his academy colleagues as he signed a professional contract containing a £66.7m release clause.

He is viewed as a natural No 9 after scoring a hatful of goals at youth level, but it is believed he can be converted into a forward due to his technical skills.

Southampton have also been linked with the young forward in recent months and reportedly had a bid rejected in the summer transfer window. But the influence of Edu could be key into helping Arsenal negotiate a deal should they be keen to pursue Luighi.

The 46-year-old transfer guru has tapped into his knowledge of Brazil to snap up the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Marquinhos during his time at the Emirates.

Arsenal could also get a jump on their rivals because Luighi is being advised by former Arsenal star Gilberto Silva, who currently works as an agent for his representatives, CAA Base.

They could face competition from the likes of Inter Milan, who have reportedly registered their interest in following the young striker.

It remains to be seen whether they would be willing to pursue a deal, given his release clause and that Palmeiras consider him to be an important part of their future.