Contact made: Arsenal eyeing deal for £87m Brazilian wonderkid
Arsenal are monitoring the progress of Corinthians wonderkid Iago Machado, as per Globo Esporte.
The Gunners have focused on signing quality young talents over the past year, and they recently confirmed deals for Holger and Edwin Quintero. The Ecuadorian twins will join from Independiente del Valle when they turn 18 in August 2027.
Globo Esporte now report that Arsenal are interested in 16-year-old centre-back Machado, who is one of the best young graduates at Corinthians. The Gunners have made initial contact with the club as well as the player’s representatives.
Mikel Arteta’s side are not alone in the race. Ajax are likewise keen on the Brazilian wonderkid.
Corinthians are not contemplating the youngster’s exit, as things stand. The Sao Paulo outfit recently agreed to a contract addendum to increase his wages and raise his release clause to €100 million (£87 million).
Arsenal could explore future deal for Machado
Machado has been described (via Globo) as a modern centre-back who has strong technical attributes and leadership qualities. At 1.87m, the 16-year-old already has a commanding presence at the back and also possesses a set-piece threat.
Arsenal have not made an official proposal to sign the teenage defender, but could step up their pursuit based on his progress over the coming months. Machado was recently invited by manager Dorival Júnior to train with Corinthians’ first team.
Dorival wanted to take a closer look at the teenager. Machado could make his breakthrough with the senior squad in the new campaign. Arsenal could revisit their interest in the summer, but a formal transfer won’t materialise until the end of next season.
Machado only turns 17 next month. Arsenal can’t officially register him until he turns 18. Therefore, the plan could be to secure a pre-transfer agreement for the summer of 2027.
Stats from Sofascore.com
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