Arsenal have been linked with a 'goalscorer' who could follow in the footsteps of Gabriel Martinelli by joining the Gunners from Brazil. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and transfer chief Edu are reported to be interested in Santos striker Kaio Jorge, who has been compared to Andriy Shevchenko and could cost around £18m in the summer transfer window.
After Arsenal landed Martinelli from Brazilian club Ituano for just £6m two years ago, they have been linked with another raid on the South American country - this time for teenage centre-forward Jorge.
The 19-year-old is also believed to be a target for Napoli, whose former Brazilian star Andre Cruz is a big fan of the young prospect.
Asked about interest in Jorge, Cruz said: “A couple of months ago they asked me, in an interview, the name of a player who is ready for Europe. I answered Kaio Jorge.
“He has technique, movement and, above all, he is a goalscorer."
Arsenal are reportedly keen on Santos striker Kaio Jorge (right) (Image: GETTY)
Cruz, who also played for Milan, has compared Jorge to Rossoneri legend Shevchenko - who scored 173 goals in 296 games in his first spell at the San Siro before flopping at Chelsea - as well as former Argentina striker Abel Balbo, a 1990 World Cup finalist.
“Who does Kaio Jorge look like?" said Cruz, quoted by HITC. "In him I see a little of Abel Balbo and a little of Shevchenko.”
Arsenal have already made contact with Jorge's agent, according to Calciomercato.
But they are apparently not the only ones, with the Italian publication outlining that Premier League rivals Chelsea, plus Lyon, Ajax and Shakhtar Donestk had also been in talks with the teenager's representatives.
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Napoli are favourites to land the striker for around £18m, according to Tuttomercatoweb.
But the player's agent has offered encouragement to any rival suitors, claiming Santos are ready to cash in before his contract expires at the end of 2021.
“Santos have very big financial difficulties," said Joao Santos. "I think this is the right time for Napoli to buy this player.”