Arsenal are interested in swooping for Real Betis winger Luiz Henrique, with the Brazilian prospect impressing during his maiden season in European football.
What's the latest on Henrique to Arsenal?
Writing in his column for GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Dean Jones recently stated that Gunners technical director Edu will use Manchester United's forthcoming Europa League tie against the Heliopolitans to his advantage, sending scouts to watch the winger at Old Trafford.
Signing from homeland outfit Fluminense last summer, the South American starlet has attracted the attention of a wealth of top outfits already, and despite his inconsistency, there is a discernibly first-rate talent awaiting nurturing.
Valued at £44m by his outfit amid interest from Aston Villa in January, Arsenal would have to make a sizeable bid to convince the La Liga outfit to part with one of their most exciting prospects, and a stellar showing against the Red Devils might enhance the chances of that happening.
Should Edu ditch Nelson for Henrique?
Henrique has made a steady start to life in Spain, scoring three goals and providing five assists from 30 matches - 20 starts - across all competitions, including two goals and assists apiece in the Europa League.
The 22-year-old's standout moment with the Green and Whites came against holding Europa Conference League champions Roma in the group phase, where he scored a goal and an assist in Italy to clinch a pivotal victory.
As per FBref, the ace ranks among the top 4% of positional peers for tackles, 14% for clearances, 13% for aerials won, and 19% for successful take-ons in Europe's top five leagues over the last 365 days, illustrating a robust and gritty side to the machine's game that will serve him well when effectively contributing towards the defensive side of his game, tracking back to provide respite for the backline and aid the swift transitions away from danger.
Praised as a player who "makes things happen" by Jones when assessing the former interest from the Villa, Henrique is inching closer to prominence and when he channels the precision and fine-tunes the danger that lies at his feet, he could become a devastating cog for whoever has him.
With his acquisition, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta could finally ditch Reiss Nelson, who is seemingly entrusted with only a peripheral role this season, playing just 63 minutes in the Premier League all term.
With the 23-year-old out of contract at the end of the campaign, Arsenal could make fine use of a top-class replacement, an upgrade to coincide with the ascension under their Spanish boss that has left them topping the Premier League table after 24 matches, five points clear of current champions Manchester City.
Throughout his career, as per Whoscored, Nelson averages a match rating of 6.65, registering 1.1 shots and 0.8 key passes per match; Henrique, comparatively, averages 1.4 shots and 0.7 key passes, also boasting a superior average rating of 6.86 - suggesting that the Brazilian - who is younger than the Gunners forward - could provide a higher quality of performance week-in-week-out.
With Arsenal building the blocks for an illustrious new era in north London, landing a precocious phenom of Henrique's ilk would embody the resurgence under Arteta's wing.
No doubt, there will be more than a few Gunners eyes on the gem as the wizard takes to the field at Old Trafford, and should the gem impress, he might just find a move to the Premier League is forthcoming.