Sao Paulo's Pablo Maia, a potential summer target for Arsenal, admires the EPL

Sao Paulo midfielder Pablo Maia, tipped as a possible summer transfer target for clubs including Arsenal, West Ham and Fulham, has told Mail Sport how he admires the Premier League.

'I heard about an offer from an English club to Sao Paulo FC, and then another club inquired about a loan deal two windows back,' said 22-year-old Maia.

'The Premier League is played at the highest technical and intense level in the world, with players accustomed to the Champions League and World Cup.

'It's a league that we dream of, set as a goal. Whenever I can, I watch the games and analyse how players in my position perform.'

Despite the interest from abroad, Maia insists he remains focused on Sao Paulo and his ambition to earn a call-up to Brazil's national team.

He has a close relationship with new Brazil boss Dorival Junior, under whom he secured the Copa do Brasil title, who is preparing to select his first squad for the friendly against England at Wembley next month.

'I am working harder every day, always focused and aiming to be worthy of a call-up to the national team,' said Maia. 'If it happens, I will definitely be prepared. It's one of my goals for this year.'

Maia's immediate focus lies on contributing to Sao Paulo FC's success. Reflecting on their recent triumphs, including winning the Copa do Brasil in 2023 and the Brazilian Super Cup, he stressed the importance of starting the year strong and how collective achievements drive individual performance.

'My dreams are focused on my goals here at Sao Paulo. I'm sure that with our team's excellent collective performance, it will contribute to my individual performance. If offers come in the middle of the year and are good for the team and for me as a career project, that could happen.'