Arsenal can exploit Real Madrid transfer approach to benefit Mikel Arteta after key Edu decision
Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar has excelled in his role with the club over the past two years. The Gunners have benefitted massively from the decisions made in the transfer market — bringing in the likes of Ben White, Gabriel Martinelli, Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus.
The capture of Martinelli from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019 for just £6million has arguably been Arsenal's best piece of business in recent memory. The 22-year-old has become a crucial player for Mikel Arteta and his importance to the team was highlighted by his contract extension until 2027 back in February.
Just last year, Arsenal dipped back into the South American market as they signed Marquinhos from Sao Paulo. However, the youngster has struggled to make the instant impact he had hoped for — resulting in him being sent out on loan to the likes of Norwich and Nantes in the past 12 months.
It's clear that the Gunners are keen to continue unearthing the most exciting talents from South America moving forward following Edu's latest move to poach highly regarded scout Paulo Xavier from Real Madrid. Xavier's track record for finding talent and bringing them to Spain will please most Arsenal fans now that he is working for the north Londoners.
Madrid have already recruited teenager superstar Endrick, who is set to depart South America in the summer, with the fee rumoured to be in the region of £50million. Vinicius Jr is another who has continued to impress ever since his move from Flamengo in 2018.
He cost the club a fee in the region of £46million but has proved his weight in gold under Carlo Ancelotti so far, having won two La Liga titles and one UEFA Champions League crown. Arsenal and Mikel Arteta will be hoping that Xavier can now support the club
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