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Football London
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Luke Thrower

Who is 'Messinho'? The 15-year-old 'next Lionel Messi' linked with huge Arsenal transfer

Arsenal's track record of spotting and bringing through impressive young talent has been good, not least since the introduction of the likes of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli to the first-team. There's little time to stand in awe of their achievements so far though as preparations for the next set of global superstars awaits.

The Gunners have been linked with a move for Palmeiras striker Endrick, with the 16-year-old impressing in the first-team, but it seems as though a move to Real Madrid is all but confirmed. However, it's another talent from the same Brazilian club that is of interest to Arsenal's scouting department.

That's because Goal Brazil reports that Estevao Willian is a youngster of keen interest to the club as a potential option for the future. With that said, here's a look at exactly who he is amid such huge praise and links to some big clubs.

READ MORE: Arsenal urged to consider Cristiano Ronaldo transfer decision amid Gabriel Jesus replacement

Who is Estevao Willian?

Estevao Willian is a 15-year-old forward that plays for Brazilian side Palmeiras in their current youth team setup. Willian is known more commonly as "Messinho" or "little Messi" in Portuguese, given the excitement surrounding his talent and the heights he could reach in the future.

The youngster joined Palmeiras in 2021 from Cruzeiro and is yet to sign his first professional contract with the club and interest has poured in from Arsenal, PSG and Barcelona. Messinho won't be able to join until 2025 though due to the same rule that has prevented Endrick's immediate transfer, with rules stating players can't be transferred until turning 18.

Why do Arsenal want him?

Arsenal are a side that have changed approach in recent years, looking to add plenty of young talent from within their own academy and elsewhere. They have also had joy targeting Brazil for their scouting due to both their ability to land youngsters before others as well as getting around Brexit regulations that makes it tougher to sign similar talent from Europe.

The Gunners have shown this to work, with Martinelli becoming a first-team regular, while the summer saw them add Marquinhos to their ranks in hopes of repeating that feat.

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