Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has hailed Brazilian wonderkid Endrick as a “phenomenon” - with a transfer battle expected to break out over his signature.
The 16-year-old has been making waves in his home country with Palmeiras and reportedly has a number of Europe’s biggest clubs chasing his services. Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona have previously been credited with an interest in Endrick. Elsewhere, clubs in the Premier League also appear to be taking notice of the youngster’s performances. Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal are among the sides believed to be keeping tabs on the teenager.
A move will not be possible in the immediate future, with Endrick not eligible to leave Brazil until at least 2024. But that has not stopped him from garnering plenty of admirers within the game - Arsenal striker Jesus among those.
Speaking with ESPN, the former Manchester City star said: "I've been following Endrick a lot. During the time I was training at the Academy when I was coming back from injury, Ze Roberto introduced us.
"Then I saw him on the field... Wow, he's a star! Phenomenon! He's 16 now, right? I, with 15 years, was in the floodplain, he is in the professional."
The Brazilian continued: "So, I believe that Palmeiras has been doing an excellent job. Of course, Endrick can come in and score goals, because he has that quality, but we also know that, being very young, he has the issue of anxiety.
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"Abel [Ferreira, Palmeiras manager] has been doing a very good job, and I'm rooting for him. The only thing I can say to Endrick right now is to be patient.”
It remains to be seen which side will be able to secure the services of Endrick, but should he choose to move to the Emirates, then he will be lining up alongside a number of his compatriots.
As well as Jesus, the Gunners have defender Gabriel Magalhaes at their disposal. The North Londoners have also found plenty of success when signing players from the Brazilian market.
Forward Gabriel Martinelli arrived from second-tier outfit Ituano back in 2018 and has gone on to become a fully-fledged member of Mikel Arteta’s first team. The Gunners attempted to repeat that trick in the most recent summer window with their acquisition of Sao Paulo youngster Marquinhos.
The 19-year-old has made two appearances for Arsenal so far this season and enjoyed a dream debut for the club by scoring and notching an assist against FC Zurich in the Europa League.
