The arrival of Edu from the Brazilian national side to Arsenal was seen as a possible step into the South American transfer market. With the former midfielder's experience of working closely with his homeland’s international setup, the speculation regarding which starlets from across the Atlantic would arrive at London Colney intensified.
However, to this very day, Arsenal have not signed a single Brazilian talent from Edu’s home nation that can be credited to the club’s technical director. Despite Gabriel Martinelli arriving in the same summer of 2019, then club head scout Francis Cagigao was the driving force behind the move.
Brazilian players have been signed by Edu. David Luiz and Willian have both come in but ultimately cost significantly more than their contribution to the side. Yet none have been snapped up from the Brazilian clubs besides mid-twenties Spaniard Pablo Mari.
There was hope this could soon change with reports linking Arsenal to Atletico Mineiro’s 17-year-old winger Savio.
Arsenal were said to be in contention with the Red Bull Group for the highly regarded wide man who made his senior debut for the club at the age of just 16.
Outlet Itatiaia spoke to the winger’s agent, Juliano Rodrigues, who confirmed the Gunners' interest in the player.
“There’s just nothing official at the moment; just speculation. But there’s interest,” he said.
However, this now looks unlikely to take place with Manchester City said to be close to agreeing a deal to then send Savio on loan to PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie.
Savio will follow the likes of Kayky and Julian Alvarez who have been recent additions to the Champions from South America.
This is not the first time Arsenal have been blocked from repeating their Gabriel Martinelli trick. Lyon got to Bruno Guimaraes in January of 2020 before the midfielder moved this winter window just passed to Newcastle United.
Arsenal have been linked with Fluminense’s Matheus Martinelli, but nothing has materialised beyond just interest.
Palmeiras midfielder Danilo was credited with a link to Arsenal this winter, as has talented forward Enrick who is garnering interest from across the world’s top clubs.
It is not like Arsenal are in desperate need of young talent. However, it is just a concern that one of the seemingly obvious benefits of having Edu as the technical director has so far not paid off.
Mikel Arteta was the key motivation behind moves for the likes of Ben White, Aaron Ramsdale, Martin Odegaard and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Edu was instrumental in getting the players through the gates of the club and his part in those deals should not be underplayed.
However, when Arsenal have missed out on some top talent that they were reportedly looking for, and they have come from the nation Edu has worked so closely with, it is not hyperbolic to show some concern regarding the potential opportunities that have gone amiss.
Make sure you have subscribed to The Arsenal Way! The Fan Brands team along with plenty of your football.london favourites will be producing daily Arsenal content for you to enjoy including match reactions, podcasts, football fun and interviews. You can follow Tom Canton from the TAW team to keep up to date with his work.
