Transfer Gossip: Arsenal, Tottenham join race for Brazilian winger supposedly ‘going to Liverpool’; Newcastle want Vasco de Gama teenager
Arsenal and Tottenham are reportedly ready to rival Liverpool for a Brazilian starlet dubbed ‘the new Neymar’, while Friday’s Transfer Gossip claims Newcastle are pursuing a deal for a highly-rated Vasco de Gama midfielder.
NORTH LONDON DUO JOIN LIVERPOOL IN BATTLE FOR BRAZILIAN
Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham have reportedly joined the race to sign Marcos Leonardo, despite reports the attacker is already ‘going to Liverpool’.
Despite only being 19, Leonardo is already firmly established in the Brazilian top flight with Santos and is much further on in his development than Gunners star Gabriel Martinelli was at the same age.
Already this season, Leonardo has scored 19 goals and added five assists and been dubbed ‘the new Neymar’.
Former Brazil international Neto is clearly a big fan, telling SporTV: “This kid who plays for Santos is better than (Palmeiras wonderkid) Endrick. Endrick is good with the ball, but this Marcos Leonardo will be an ace.
“He’s been having a great season. He is a goal-maker. I hope that he keeps improving, scores a lot of goals. He has technical quality. And the main thing: he knows how to score.”
Edu wants another Brazilian at Arsenal
Calciomercato reports that while Arsenal technical Edu is looking to strike a deal for the player, Spurs and Liverpool are also in the running – along with current Serie A leaders Napoli.
Indeed, Brazilian reporter Milton Neves has already stated that Leonardo is ‘going to Liverpool’.
If that is the case, then expect the two north London clubs to try and hijack the deal – given how highly Leonardo is rated.
NEWCASTLE TRACKING BRAZILIAN STARLET
Newcastle United are reportedly pursuing Vasco de Gama’s highly-rated teenage midfielder Andrey Santos.
The St James’ Park outfit are currently scouring the globe in search of young talent. That tactic is to avoid any future Financial Fair Play restrictions.
Eddie Howe’s men have already landed Australia forward Garang Kuol. The 18-year-old who will join in January from Central Coast Mariners.
And now the Daily Mail reports that Santos, 18, is firmly on their radar.
The talented midfielder has scored seven goals in 33 appearances for Vasco, who currently play in the second tier of Brazilian football.
Former Lyon and Brazil international Juninho Pernambucano has already said he expects Santos to go on and become a ‘much better’ player than he was. Indeed, Juninho is particularly impressed with the youngster’s physical and technical ability.
Newcastle could end in a fight for the player though. The report adds that LaLiga giants Barcelona are also monitoring the player’s progress.
CITY TARGET ATALANTA TEENAGE DEFENDER
Manchester City are set to step up their efforts to sign Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini.
The 18-year-old, who can play at centre-back or as a holding midfielder, made his breakthrough for the Serie A side last season.
A report from La Repubblica states that City are monitoring his progress. However, Roma, Juventus and Inter Milan are also looking to sign Scalvini.
Despite his tender age, Scalvini has already been capped at senior level by Italy.
Meanwhile, the report adds that Atlanta want a fee in the region of £17million. However, that figure is likely to go up if the player carries on at his current rate of progress.
