Brazil name Chelsea's Andrey Santos, 18, in their latest squad

Brazil name Chelsea’s 18-year-old wonderkid Andrey Santos in their latest squad along with Emerson Royal and Wolves’ Joao Gomes… but there is NO space for Arsenal pair Gabriel and Martinelli

  • Chelsea teen Andrey Santos is the surprise name in Brazil’s most recent squad 
  • The 18-year-old starlet makes the list along with Emerson Royal and Joao Gomes 
  • Gunners duo Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli miss out for the Selecao 

Chelsea starlet Andrey Santos, 18, is the shock name in Brazil’s latest squad after being called up to the senior team as one of nine uncapped players.

Tottenham defender Emerson Royal and Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes are also named in the 23-man list.

But Arsenal duo Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli have missed out despite starring for the Premier League leaders.

Ramon Menezes, the Under-20 manager for the South American country, has stepped in for the senior side on an interim basis after Tite’s resignation following their quarter-final exit at the 2022 World Cup.

And Menezes has sprung several surprises – relying heavily on youth and Brazil-based players rather than more stellar names in an experimental selection. 

Chelsea wonderkid Andrey Santos has been called up to the Brazil squad at the age of just 18

Santos captained Selecao’s Under-20 side to a South American Championship win last month

And his performances have been rewarded by the country’s interim manager Ramon Menezes

Santos signed for the Blues in January for £18million from Vasco da Gama after making his professional debut as a 16-year-old.

However, he was sent back out on loan to his former club after failing to get a work permit.

Brazil’s uncapped stars 

Mycael, 18, Atletico Paranaense, goalkeeper

Arthur, 19, America Mineiro, defence

Robert Renan, 19, Zenit St Petersburg, defence

Andrey Santos, 18, Chelsea, midfield

Andre, 21, Fluminense, midfield

Joao Gomes, 22, Wolves, midfield

Raphael Veiga, 27, Palmeiras, midfield

Rony, 27, Palmeiras, forward

Vitor Roque, 18, Athletico Paranaense, forward

He captained the U20 team to South American Championship glory last month.

Santos scored in the final against Uruguay and finishing as the tournament’s joint top scorer with six. 

Liverpool’s world-class goalkeeper Alisson is left out, with Athletico Paranaense 18-year-old Mycael preferred.

Arthur, 19, replaces Juventus’ experienced right back Danilo.

Zenit St Petersburg centre half Robert Renan, also 19, is named ahead of the likes of Felipe, Gleison Breimer, and Gabriel Magalhaes. 

In midfield, Fluminense’s Andre and Palmeiras’ Raphael Veiga, 27, make it in instead of an experienced Premier League trio: Manchester United’s Fred, Liverpool defensive midfielder Fabinho and Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes.

While up front, 18-year-old Vitor Roque and Palmeiras forward Rony, 27, will compete for a spot.

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar, Barcelona winger Raphinha, the in-form Martinelli and Reds striker Roberto Firmino are left out. 

Santos, Mycael, Arthur, Robert Renan and Vitor Roque have all impressed for Brazil’s age-grade side under Menezes.

Now they have their opportunity at senior level. 

Vitor Roque, once called ‘the new Luis Suarez’, has revealed it is his ‘dream’ to join Spanish giants Barcelona despite Arsenal chief Edu’s attempts to bring him to north London in a blow to the Gunners.

In an interview with Spanish news outlet Sport, the Athletico Paranaense forward was asked if Barcelona was his destination of choice, and said: ‘Yes, it’s a dream not only for me, but also for any player who comes along.

‘If I end up going to Barca, it will be a great joy for my family and for me. That’s why I have to keep working hard and hope that everything comes together in time.’

Arsenal pair Gabriel Magalhaes (left) and Gabriel Martinelli (right) are among those to miss out


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