According to the Sun, the Gunners have joined an intense battle with European giants Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund to sign Palmeiras wonderkid Luighi.
The 19-year-old recently extended his contract until 2029 with the South American club, but that hasn’t stopped his suitors from approaching him. The Gunners have been firm admirers of the forward ever since he dropped some exceptional performances at the Under-17 World Cup in 2023.
He scored some crucial goals for Brazil (two in five games), followed by his notable contributions in Palmeiras’s run to the final of the Under-20 Copa Libertadores. Since then, the youngster has continued his upward trajectory and made his senior debut in July last year.
🚨 Arsenal want to sign 19-year-old Palmeiras winger Luighi this summer but are braced for competition from Dortmund and Inter.
(Source: @TheSunFootball) pic.twitter.com/Y8NcpdMtZg
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 4, 2025
Although the player has a £70 million release clause, his parent club might be flexible enough to accept a lower fee. Estevao Willian was also signed by Chelsea for just £28m, even if he had a £28m release clause in his contract.
ARSENAL EYEING THE ‘NEXT MATHEUS CUNHA’
Arsenal are closely monitoring Luighi, as they view him as a long-term attacking investment. He has already been compared to Wolves ace Matheus Cunha due to his dribbling skills. He can play as a number nine, secondary striker or even on the left flank.
The youngster can add a different dimension to Mikel Arteta’s star-studded attack. The move also supports the club’s vision to build a squad for the future.
However, they need to see off competition from Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund. Both sides want to build sustainably, and they view the Palmeiras star as a future superstar.
Inter are eyeing a long-term replacement for Lautaro Martinez, and their scouts were the first to report his talents to the board. Dortmund are likely to lose Jamie Bynoe-Gittens to English clubs, prompting them to target Luighi.
Arsenal need to worry less about the money and more about convincing the player to move to the Emirates.
Arsenal want to sign 19-year-old Palmeiras winger Luighi this summer but are braced for competition from Dortmund and Inter.
(Source: @TheSunFootball)#CRYNFOpic.twitter.com/zG3YDIMcDW
— Football Giants (@FutballGiant) May 5, 2025
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If they can assure him a development path similar to Bukayo Saka or Gabriel Martinelli, the fans might soon see him performing in the Premier League. It will be interesting to see which party is successful in luring the attacking prodigy this summer.
