Arsenal held talks over £16m target last month, Edu Gaspar was keen on deal

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Arsenal were linked with a move for Santos striking sensation Marcos Leonardo in the January transfer window, but a deal failed to materialise.

Santos suffered a shock relegation from the Brazilian top flight, despite the 20-year-old scoring 21 times in 49 games across all competitions in 2023.

The attacker was highly rated in Brazil, and his side’s relegation meant that a move to Europe was inevitable.

Arsenal were linked with several forwards including Leonardo to attempt to find a fix to their goalscoring issues, but opted not to recruit in January, as they were also wary of financial fair play restrictions. However, it has now emerged that Edu opened talks to attempt to sign the striker, who moved to Benfica.

Arsenal attempted Marcos Leonardo deal in January

Insider Graeme Bailey has now told HITC Football that director Edu Gaspar held talks with the Arsenal hierarchy over a move for Leonardo in the January transfer window.

“Edu is a huge admirer of Leonardo and held extensive talks with the club’s recruitment team and senior management about a deal for the 20-year-old,” he revealed.

However, Arsenal did not believe that Leonardo would move in January, and held off from making a move.

This then backfired as they were then later informed that Leonardo was in Lisbon to complete his move to Benfica, and it was too late to complete a deal for him.

“Edu was informed of the impending deal with Benfica had tied up the move before Arsenal, or anyone else in Europe, could react,” Bailey added.

Why did Arsenal want Marcos Leonardo?

The young striker moved to Benfica for just under £16m, making him an affordable option even within financial fair play limits.

At 20, he could have been a long-term option, who could have also been useful this season. Although there are plenty of options upfront, with Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard, another goalscorer at a low price could have been a useful addition.

Securing a young striker now would likely not have impacted any plans for a centre forward such as Victor Osimhen to be signed in the summer, and it may have been a worthwhile gamble to boost any potential title challenge this season, without placing too much pressure on the young striker.

Leonardo has scored three times in his first six appearances for Benfica, and given that Edu is a fan of the player, if he develops well he may be someone Arsenal keep an eye on for the future.