Arsenal have reportedly submitted an offer to sign Santos striker Marcos Leonardo ahead of the January transfer window.
Leonardo is preparing to leave Santos after the club’s shock relegation to the second tier, with the Brazilian side dropping into the second tier for the first time in their 111-year history.
The 20-year-old is viewed as the one of Brazil’s best prospects after an exciting emergence with Santos, which has seen the Leonardo score 54 goals in 164 appearances in all competitions since his debut in 2020.
The forward won the Silver Boot after scoring five goals at the FIFA u-20 World Cup earlier this year and has compiled a prolific record for Brazil, with 15 goals in 13 appearances for the u-20 side. Only Adaílton has ever scored more for the national team at that age group, with Leonardo having moved past Romario (13 goals).
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Arsenal have made a bid of £17.2m to sign Leonardo in January. Mikel Arteta is keen to add another option at centre-forward, with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah having scored just seven Premier League goals between them this season.
Arsenal have a strong contingent of Brazilian players at the Emirates, with the aforementioned Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhães all part of the current squad.
The North Londoners will hope their early move can persuade Leonardo to move to the club, amid rival interest from Roma and Manchester United.
