Arsenal can copy Gabriel Martinelli strategy as Edu eyes Xhaka replacement

Arteta says summer transfer window will be 'crucial' for Arsenal

Arsenal have made a habit of signing players from South America with the knowledge of their sporting director Edu Gaspar playing a vital role in identifying emerging talents in Brazil and beyond. The capture of Gabriel Martinelli has proved to be a superb piece of business for the north London club, while their subsequent investment in Marquinhos is yet to pay off, and Matheus Franca could be the next starlet to shine at the Emirates if Edu gets his way.

The 19-year-old starlet has emerged as a potential target for the north London club this summer as Edu looks to sign an attacking midfielder for Mikel Arteta’s squad.

It comes after Granit Xhaka appeared to confirm he is leaving the Gunners this summer, with a move to Bayer Leverkusen beckoning.

According to transfer expert Artur Petrosyan, Arsenal have already had an opening offer of £15million turned down for the Flamengo youngster. Reports earlier this year suggested that Arsenal had sent scouts to watch Franca during one of Flamengo’s Copa Libertadores matches, with interest also coming from Crystal Palace and Newcastle.

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However, the role of Edu in negotiations could be crucial. The former Brazil international has moved seamlessly into his role as the decision-maker on transfers and contracts, and the importance of his ties within the Selecao national team camp and with Brazilian counterparts cannot be understated in getting the jump on their rivals to sign Brazilian wonderkids.

When Martinelli signed for the club in 2019, he was a virtual unknown to the vast majority of Arsenal fans. But Edu, with his detailed knowledge of Brazilian football, was able to pluck a gem from Ituano for just £6million.

And his influence was clear on the young forward when he arrived at the club as an 18-year-old.

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“I know Edu, Denilson and I know that they have a lot of history at the club,” Martinelli told Arsenal’s official website.

“Edu, in particular, I had a little contact with him at Corinthians as I had a spell there and I know they had a lot of success here but also for the national team. I am going to try to follow the same route.”

Martinelli was the first signing Edu made in his role and now, four years later, he needs to rely on using those same connections to land Franca.

Arteta is keen for reinforcements in the middle of the park with Xhaka poised to depart, while there is uncertainty over Albert Sambi Lokonga’s future and Thomas Partey’s fitness issues.

The club are prepared to go all out to sign Declan Rice from West Ham, while Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has openly admitted Moises Caicedo is likely to be sold.

But both options are expensive and could take several weeks to negotiate. Signing a lower-profile player such as Franca, with an eye on the future, would alleviate the pressure to bring in Rice and Caicedo straight away when the transfer opens.

And with some nurturing from Arteta, the Brazilian talent could prove to be another masterstroke like his compatriot Martinelli.

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