Arsenal now showing ‘more interest’ than Liverpool in race for £26m sensation

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Arsenal now appear to be leading the way in the race to sign Gabriel Moscardo.

According to The Standard, Arsenal are keen on signing Brazilian sensation Gabriel Moscardo, who is valued at around £26 million.

However, the Gunners will face competition for the 18-year-old midfielder, as Chelsea and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in the youngster.

Now, transfer journalist Neil Jones has provided an update on the Gunners’ pursuit of the player. Speaking to CaughtOffside, the reporter said, “another young Brazilian linked with a move to Merseyside is Gabriel Moscardo of Corinthians, although my information is that both Chelsea and Arsenal have shown far more interest in the 18-year-old than Liverpool have.”

It is certainly good news for Arsenal sporting director Edu if Liverpool are reluctant to push for a deal for the teenager. Whilst Edu has strong contacts in his home country and a track record of being able to snap up exciting Brazilian prospects on behalf of the Gunners, the Anfield-based outfit would still be able to offer an attractive package to Moscardo if they wished to.

Liverpool invested heavily in their midfield in the recent summer transfer window, bringing Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Wataru Endo all to Merseyside. Jurgen Klopp may now feel that the need to invest in the middle of the park is less pressing.

Gabriel Moscardo a viable option for Arsenal overhaul

For Mikel Arteta, though, conducting a midfield rebuild remains a priority. Whilst Arsenal spent a club-record fee of £105 million to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United in the summer, there is still work to be done in that part of the pitch.

Arsenal now need to move on from Thomas Partey, as his injury issues mean he cannot be relied upon. There is now interest in the 30-year-old from clubs in Saudi Arabia. Equally, Jorginho’s future at the Emirates Stadium is in doubt as talks over a new contract have reached a “standstill.” Mohamed Elneny is also in the twilight of his career and not of the standard required to be a regular starter for the Gunners.

Arteta is on the hunt for midfield signings in January. Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa and Ruben Neves of Al Hilal are both under consideration, though neither would come cheaply. As Arsenal will only have a modest budget available to them this winter, Moscardo may well be the most viable option in terms of affordability.

The Corinthians ace certainly has plenty of talent and vast potential, though his lack of experience could give Arteta pause for thought. It would be a big ask for the teenager to come to the Premier League mid-season and make an immediate impact.