Arsenal have suffered a major blow in their pursuit of Brazilian wonderkid Endrick, with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly at the front of the queue to sign the Palmeiras forward.
Endrick, 16, has been linked with some of Europe's top clubs after becoming the youngest senior player in Palmeiras' history earlier this season.
He set the new record after making his senior debut aged just 16 years, two months and 16 days.
Advert
Endrick has gone on to score three goals in his six appearances for Palmeiras and now looks destined to move to European football.
Arsenal have previously been linked with a move for Endrick but it appears that the Gunners have now fallen behind in the race to sign the striker, who is already being compared to Brazilian icon Pele.
PSG and Chelsea pushing to sign Endrick
According to ESPN, Palmeiras have already turned down a €45m (£39.5m) bid from French champions PSG.
Advert
Palmeiras are reported to have "instantly" rejected the bid.
However, following discussions between all parties, PSG have reportedly signalled their intention to meet the forward's €60m (£52.6m) release clause.
The report adds that Chelsea have also signalled their intention to pay his release clause.
The final decision is now set to be down to Endrick himself, who is believed to prefer a move to the Premier League.
Advert
Silva working 'behind the scenes'
The Times has claimed that Chelsea defender Thiago Silva is working behind the scenes to convince the Palmeiras player to move to Stamford Bridge.
However, should either PSG or Chelsea sign Endrick, he would only be able to move to Europe in 2024 once he has turned 18.
Advert
In a recent interview with The Week, Endrick addressed his future: "I try not to think about the future. My focus is on the present, always on the next game," he said.
"I have to give myself as much as possible on the field, so that I can help the team. Everything else happens in God’s time.
"I defend the colours of a great club, which gives me everything I need to play at the highest level.
"My family and the people around me help me stay focused."
Topics: Arsenal, Endrick, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Transfers, Football, Premier League, Brazil
Rory O'Callaghan