Arsenal have sent scouts to watch the under-17 World Cup in Qatar this month, and are keeping an eye on a number of talented youngsters, Arsenal Insider understands.
Andrea Berta is keen on sourcing the most exciting prospects on the planet before other top clubs do, and views the tournament in the Middle East as a perfect opportunity to watch these potential stars.
Every major club in the world have representatives in Qatar watching the emerging players express themselves, and the Gunners are among those looking to capitalise on this scouting mission.
Arsenal Insider can confirm that Felipe Morais, Loukman Tapsoba and Felipe Esquivel are just three of the individuals that the North London club are closely observing.
Arsenal watching Felipe Morais, Loukman Tapsoba and Felipe Esquivel
Arsenal are enjoying an excellent season and are on course to compete for major honours for the fourth successive year.
That said, the Gunners aren’t intent on merely having one iteration of being at the top, and are keen to build a dynasty.
In order to achieve this, Berta believes that the North London club need to attract the best young players in the world, who can develop into superstars and therefore lead the next generation at the Emirates.
Arsenal have sent scouts to watch the under-17 World Cup in Qatar, and are monitoring three players in particular.
Among them is Cruziero attacking midfielder Felipe Morais, who only turned 17 in August. Burkina Faso’s Loukman Tapsoba is also on the Gunners’ radar, as is River Plate’s Felip Esquivel.
“There are a few players in Qatar I have been told Arsenal have paid close attention to,” transfer expert Graeme Bailey told Arsenal Insider.
“One of them is a player who could emerge as one of the stars of the tournament and that is Felipe Morais – the Cruzeiro attacking midfielder. A majestic midfielder, can play on either flank. We don’t like young players to get tags but one scout told me, think Kaka-type.
“He has made a great start in Qatar with a goal in each game, looks a real class act and I am told he is one on Arsenal’s radar. He only turned 17 in August – so he is one that could not move to Europe in January 2027. But keep an eye on him.
“Arsenal are also very much keeping tabs on Loukman Tapsoba – arguably the most intriguing talent at the tournament. Only 15, but the Burkina Faso striker looks a supreme talent – think Didier Drogba, Victor Osimhen, that is what people are thinking here. I am informed there is no player in Qatar getting more attention than him and Arsenal are like every other major European club and are checking on him.
“Arsenal were also at the Argentina 3-2 win over Belgium – but again they were not alone, and there were a host of players in that game impressing including River Plate’s Felipe Esquivel – who scored a spectacular winner.”
Who is Felipe Morais?
Morais was born in Brazilian city Conselheiro Lafaiete, and played for Mineiro FC as a youngster.
Signed by Cruzeiro at the age of nine after playing against them, he’s been developing through the Serie A giants’ academy since 2017.
He’s yet to break into the Cruzeiro first team, although he’s widely considered to be one of the most promising youth prospects in Brazilian football at the moment.
Making 19 appearances for the under-20s so far, Morais is already playing a few years above his age group.
He’ll be looking to impress at the under-17 World Cup, in the knowledge that players who make waves at the tournament often earn moves to big European clubs.
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