Arsenal will face competition if they want to sign Gabriel Moscardo.
As reported by The Standard, Chelsea have now joined Arsenal in the race to secure the services of Corinthians wonderkid Gabriel Moscardo, who is expected to be available for around £26 million.
There is plenty of excitement surrounding the 18-year-old midfielder, who has already represented Brazil at under-23 level. Moscardo has already established himself as a key player for Corinthians, making 23 appearances for the senior side, across all competitions, last season.
Arsenal will feel that they are well-placed to snap up the Brazilian starlet. After all, sporting director Edu has strong connections in his home country, and the Gunners have an encouraging recent record of picking up exciting prospects from the South American nation. Both Gabriel Martinelli and Marquinhos were signed from the Brazilian leagues.
Arsenal can beat Chelsea to Gabriel Moscardo if they are decisive
However, Arsenal will need to act fast to ensure that the Blues don’t claim Moscardo’s signature first. The north London club won’t want to get caught up in a protracted bidding war with Chelsea again. The last time that happened, the West London outfit were ultimately successful in signing Mykhailo Mudryk, despite the Gunners having tracked the Ukrainian winger for some time.
Fortunately, the mooted fee being demanded for Moscardo falls within the modest budget that Arsenal have set aside to bolster their midfield contingent in the upcoming January transfer window. Mikel Arteta will feel the club are in a strong position to get a deal done for the teenager.
One thing that may cause Arsenal to hesitate, though, is Moscardo’s age. Whilst he is undoubtedly a supremely gifted talent, and a potential star of the future, Arteta may want to bring in a more proven and experienced option at this time, with his side working towards mounting a successful title challenge.
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