£20m Arsenal target now set to move in January after agent revelation

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Arsenal have now been handed a boost, as transfer target Marcos Leonardo is now set to move in the January transfer window.

The 20-year-old has been in excellent form for Brazilian side Santos, scoring 21 goals in 45 games in 2023, and was linked with Premier League moves over the summer.

After initially staying with Santos, who are languishing in 14th place out of 20, his agent has now confirmed that amidst interest from top Premier League sides, the striker will move in the winter window.

Agent confirms Arsenal target Marcos Leonardo will move

Leonardo’s agent Rafaela Pimenta has now confirmed, via 90min, that Leonardo will depart Santos in January.

“Already in the previous transfer window, he had the possibility of being sold,” she stated.

“But Santos’ sporting situation was very particular. He accepted to stay because he wanted to help out until the end of the season. He didn’t want to leave because it wasn’t the right thing to do.

“But the time has come for the transfer. He wants to have a European experience, and his time will come this winter.”

Should Arsenal sign Marcos Leonardo?

The youngster’s goal record in Brazil is not to be sniffed at, particularly as he was playing for a struggling side.

He turned down interest from West Ham and Nottingham Forest in the summer to help Santos during a difficult period, and will now be available for around £20m.

Arsenal have been told that a striker will help them challenge for the Premier League title, with Gabriel Jesus suffering from injuries and Eddie Nketiah and Kai Havertz coming in for criticism.

Mikel Arteta is not short of options upfront, with Leandro Trossard also impressing in a central role, but they may seize upon the opportunity to sign another goalscorer for what could be a bargain fee.

Leonardo is already a key player for Santos at centre-forward, and should he have an immediate impact, he would certainly give the squad a boost in attack.

Even if he is a long-term signing, he may have the potential to become a deadly goalscorer, and if Arsenal are indeed interested in a move, signing him now ahead of other Premier League sides would be better than waiting until his value shoots up after he moves elsewhere.

Edu Gaspar has been scouting midfielders in Brazil, and the sporting director’s connections to his home country may prove vital for Arsenal in the winter window.