Arsenal linked with signing 'exceptional' 17-year-old starlet as journalist makes transfer claim

Arsenal have been linked with signing 17-year-old Corinthians starlet Pedrinho after a claim made by a Brazilian journalist.

The winger, who represents Brazil at youth level, was in line to receive a call-up for the upcoming U20 World Cup squad, but Corinthians declined to release him for the tournament.

Arsenal will have representation in the Brazil squad, with Marquinhos, who has spent this season on loan at Championship side Norwich after signing from Sao Paulo last summer, named in the travelling party.

The Gunners have had success with bringing in talent from South America in recent years, particularly in the case of Gabriel Martinelli.

The 22-year-old, who joined from Brazilian second division side Ituano in the summer of 2018, is Arsenal's joint top scorer in the Premier League this season with 15 goals to his name.

And if a claim made by a Brazilian journalist is to be believed, the club could be about to add to their South American contingent.

Pedrinho to Arsenal?

Likened to a young Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho, 17-year-old Pedrinho received glowing praise from team-mate Cassio.

He told Globo Esporte last month: "For me, Pedrinho has everything to be the best [young] player since I've been here. Exceptional. Trains a lot. The best boy I've seen. I hope it stays that way."

Now, Brazilian journalist Neto, speaking on the Os Donos da Bola Show, has suggested that Arsenal are interested in signing him this summer.

He said (quotes via Sport Witness): "You have Pedro... Pedro, I don't know what's going on. If the kid is going to be sold to Arsenal... I don't know, huh. Remember I told you, Vessoni?

"Because here's the thing, he didn't go to the World Cup to play. And he's good with the ball. He came on in every game and doesn't come in anymore."

Pedrinho has previously been linked with moves to Newcastle and Brighton.

Primarily a left winger, according to Transfermarkt, he can also play on the right side of attack and in a central attacking midfield role.

Although Arsenal can make a move for the starlet this summer, they cannot officially sign or register him until the summer of 2024, which is the first transfer window after he turns 18, due to Brexit laws on signing young players from countries outside of the UK.