Arsenal are set to rival Barcelona for the signing of a young Brazilian whiz from Palmeiras who is still yet to pen his first professional deal…

What’s the word?

According to a report from Goal Brazil, Palmeiras’ Brazilian youngster Estevao Willian, colloquially known as ‘Messinho’, is on the radar of Arsenal technical director Edu, who views the 15-year-old as a precocious prospect for the future.

The report continues that French giants Paris Saint-Germain have already failed with a £30m offer for the forward, and now Arsenal look set to leap in front and keep tabs on the player’s development, poised to pounce when an apt opportunity arises.

Although, international rules mean that Messinho will not be able to sign for a new club until 2025, when the player turns 18, although the Gunners could take a page from Real Madrid’s book and emulate the deal forged for Endrick, who also plies his trade for Palmeiras.

Martinelli 2.0

By establishing the foundation and putting in the groundwork at this maiden stage of Messinho’s career, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta presents a tantalising offer to the prodigy, who will consider the fact that the club have invested faith in him from the very start.

He will also have time to develop and nurture his skills in his homeland, before casting a gaze halfway across the globe to Europe when the time comes to consider the future of his footballing career.

Arsenal have always boasted a prestigious academy, but have recently looked elsewhere to bring in talented prospects who can slowly integrate into the first-team, with the likes of summer signing Marquinhos following the notable success of Gabriel Martinelli, who signed from Ituano in 2019. 

Martinelli, who is now rated at £51.8m, as per Transfermarkt, has scored 23 goals and registered 15 assists across 104 fixtures for the north London outfit, blossoming into a driving force in the thumping Gunners attack that sits in first-place of the Premier League after 14 matches, having scored 33 goals. 

This season, the 21-year-old’s five goals and two assists in the English top-flight have been vital for the club, and Messinho can note his countryman’s ascension with bated breath, as he begins to consider the best course of action for his professional career. 

As per Sofascore, Martinelli’s endeavours this term will leave the likes of Messinho wishing to emulate, with his 2.5 shots per match, 85% pass success rate, and five big chances created illuminating the all-encompassing presence that Brazilian forward’s look to achieve, with flair and elegance in abundance. 

And to cap it all off, by choosing the Gunners, Martinelli is currently relishing his place in his nation’s 2022 World Cup squad.

Messinho, described an “absolutely crazy talent” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is a left-footed demon that can emerge as one of Brazil’s hottest prospects over the next few years, and with a leap to Europe inevitable, the Emirates Stadium might just be the best place for the 15-year-old to leap toward prominence.