Arsenal + Chelsea In Contention To Sign Brazilian Starlet

As we approach the opening of the summer window clubs will be intensifying their efforts in the transfer market so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip. Today, Arsenal and Chelsea are linked with a Brazilian youngster.

Arsenal and Chelsea are among the clubs interested in signing Brazilian starlet Victor Andrade with the teenager ready to move to Europe this summer, according to reports.

Andrade is one of the most highly-rated youngsters coming out of Brazil and has clocked up almost 30 appearances for Santos since making his debut in 2013 at a 17-year-old.

The forward’s contract is due to expire on 30 September and the 18-year-old is keen to follow in the footsteps of his godfather – former Real Madrid, Manchester City and AC Milan striker Robinho – and come to ply his trade in Europe.

Andrade began his footballing career in Portugal and played for the Benfica youth team before heading back to his homeland with Santos in 2007, but after a seven-year stay he’s ready for a new challenge.

The Express claim that Arsenal and Chelsea are both showing a keen interest in luring him to London, while Manchester City could also be in the running. However, while the strikers father, Nelson Andrade, ruled out a possible move to Shakhtar Donetsk, he refused to close the door on returning to Benfica.

“Benfica are an interesting option. The interest in Victor is very strong there and he played there as an 11-year-old.

“His choice was to play for Santos this season, but now he wants to follow in the footsteps of his idols.

“The level of interest in him is well-established but [Benfica] is an option.

“If it was about money he would go to Ukraine because Shaktar will put €8m (£6.5m) in his pocket.

“But he doesn’t want to go there – it is cold and the country is at war.” Andrade senior is quoted as saying by the Express

Andrade was linked with a move to England last year and it will be of interest to the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea to know that the youngster admitted at the time he is tempted by the prospect of playing in the Premier League.

“Quite simply, I would love to play in Europe.

“My godfather Robinho has told me of the great experiences he had at Real Madrid, Manchester City and AC Milan.

“He told me how it made him a better player because playing in Europe means you must adapt to different styles and systems.

“I think it will be a great education for me. Everybody around the world knows about the strength of the Premier League.” Andrade is quoted as saying by the Express last year

It looks like Andrade is now going to assess his options over the coming months and it will be interesting to see where he decides to go. Should he opt for England the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea will have to pay a development fee in the region of £2.5m to Santos, which could prove to be a bargain if Andrade goes on to fulfill his huge potential.

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A massive bonus for the London duo is that there will be no need for a work permit as the player holds dual citizenship with Portugal due to his time there as a youngster, so he could come straight into the Arsenal or Chelsea squad and push for a first team place.