Arsenal have reportedly made contact in order to know further information about Maycon, a 18-year-old midfielder from Corinthians.
According to UOL, the Gunners, who have been following the player for several years, wanted to know more about the player’s physical condition and his transfer situation.
The youngster made his professional debut for Corinthians in February, but despite a good start, he hasn’t been used much by the club. He has 11 appearances this season.
Arsenal would be interested in building a similar deal to what Juventus achieved for another Corinthians youngster, Matheus Pereira. The Italian side paid only €2m for the transfer, but performance bonuses could make the transfer reach the €7m mark.
But Maycon’s representatives don’t want him to leave so soon, and the player is expected to secure his spot at Corinthians first. The club rejected loan offers from Brazilian sides because they believe he will still get chances with their first team.
Corinthians have a history of selling young players before using them, so it would be no surprise if Arsenal could reach a deal now. The Brazilian club reportedly own 80% of the player’s economic rights, which gives them more power in the negotiations, instead of leaving it in the agent’s hands.
In Brazil it’s common for a player to be part owned by several entities, including the club, third party investors, agents, and often the player and his family themselves.
There’s no explanation how Maycon would achieve a work permit to play in England. Brexit has absolutely no impact but unless he has an EU passport, with many South Americans having European routes which allow one, a work permit would be difficult to secure.
Arsenal have this week already been linked to Gabigol who plays for Santos, and perhaps it’s another summer which will see a string of South American youngsters linked with the club.
