Date of birth: October 5, 2001
Preferred position(s): Central Midfield
Height: 1.76 m / 5'9''
Parent club: Fluminense
Metro
Arsenal open talks with representatives of Fluminense youngster Matheus Martinelli
Arsenal have made an approach to land Fluminense starlet Matheus Martinelli, according to reports in Brazil.
The Spaniard has made it clear he’s keen to sign Martin Odegaard on a permanent basis when the Norwegian’s loan deal expires at the end of the campaign but Real Madrid are yet to make a final decision on the player’s future as he continues to impress in Arsenal colours. The Gunners have therefore been forced to scour the market for possible alternatives should Odegaard return to the Bernabeu and Fluminense’s Martinelli – no relation to Gabriel – is firmly on the club’s radar.
Globo Esporte claims Arsenal have been scouting the 19-year-old Brazilian in recent months and have opened talks with his entourage to gather more information and gauge whether he would be interested in a move to the Emirates. However, the north London giants are yet to make contact with Fluminense over a potential bid for Martinelli’s signature and the teenager remains fully focussed on establishing himself in Roger Machado’s first-team at the Maracana.
The reports suggests he is enjoying his time at Fluminense and is looking forward to competing in Copa Libertadores for the first time. Arsenal are aware that Martinelli will not come cheap given he has a €40million (£35m) in his contract at Fluminense. The youngster made his first-team debut back in December and has scored three goals in 11 appearances in the Brazilian top flight this season.