Arsenal have yet to make as much use of Edu’s connections in Brazil as clubs like Chelsea and Real Madrid have, despite previous signings such as Gabriel Martinelli and Marquinhos, and amid links with Vitor Reis.
According to Charles Watts, speaking exclusively to Caught offside for his latest Daily Briefing column, that’s because Edu and Mikel Arteta would prefer more ready-made players to come to the Emirates Stadium.
While there is plenty of top young talent in Brazil, and Chelsea and Real Madrid have done well to snap up Estevao Willian, Endrick, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes before they became particularly big names, it seems that Arsenal will go. for a different approach.
Despite links with other Palmeiras talent such as 18-year-old centre-back Reis, Watts hopes Edu and Arteta will continue to look for players who can adapt more quickly to the high standards demanded in the Premier League.
Arsenal’s Vitor Reis links and Brazil’s lack of signings explained
“Arsenal fans have been a bit surprised by the club’s reluctance to enter the Brazilian market of late,” said Watts.
“We’ve seen a lot of clubs do it, especially Chelsea and of course Real Madrid, but Arsenal have kept their powder dry since the signings of Gabriel Martinelli and Marquinhos.
“When Edu was appointed, there was an expectation that, given his connections in Brazil, the club would look to tap into the market there, but it hasn’t really happened.
“There are always links and we have done it saw this recently with Vitor Reisbut so far Arsenal have preferred to focus their business on the European market.
“I can’t say for sure why that is, but my intuition is that they have preferred to move for players who they believe will acclimatise quicker to the demands of the Premier League.
“Arsenal have risen rapidly in recent years and their approach to building their squad has been carefully managed.
“They have signed project players, but perhaps they feel the risk has been too great in moving for young Brazilian talent, especially given the transfer fees they are now commanding.”
