Arsenal have been keeping an eye on Ignacio Pereira. However, Santos have now made sure the 16-year-old won’t be quite so easy to prise away.
Just weeks after reports linked the Gunners with the Argentine striker, he’s signed his first professional contract with the Brazilian club.
And Santos haven’t been shy about protecting their youngster. The new deal runs until December 2029. It comes with a €100m (£83.4m) release clause.
That’s quite a change from the situation Arsenal were looking at before. Pereira’s previous youth contract was due to expire in February 2027. This left Santos with a fairly pressing issue to sort out.
Well, they’ve sorted it.
Santos hand Arsenal target a huge release clause
Brazilian journalist Bruno Lima, writing for UOL, reveals the €100m (£83.4m) clause in Pereira’s new contract. It was signed on Wednesday.
The agreement is still awaiting registration with the Brazilian Football Confederation. However, Santos have already announced it.
Pereira, known as Nacho, was understandably delighted.
“I’m very happy to have signed my first professional contract. I’ve been here for three years, since the U13s, and I hope to achieve my biggest goals, which are playing for Santos’ first team and the Argentina national team,” he said.
Last month, reports in Brazil named Arsenal alongside Real Betis, Milan, Lille, Standard Liège and Zenit as clubs monitoring the striker. Diário do Peixe also mentions an approach from an unnamed major European club.
According to the outlet, Pereira’s representatives were in Europe handling two other transfers when that club contacted them to ask about his situation.
The interested side reportedly has a project built around bringing foreign youngsters over before they establish themselves professionally, allowing them time to adapt.
It has already recruited two Brazilian youngsters, one from Atlético Mineiro and another from Flamengo. But there’s nothing identifying that club as Arsenal, so we shouldn’t jump to conclusions.
Still, the interest helps explain why Santos have been keen to get Pereira tied down. The €100m (£83.4m) clause doesn’t necessarily reflect what they’d demand in negotiations. However, it sure gives the Brazilian club considerably more protection than they had a few days ago.
Another Haaland admirer, with a first-team opportunity in sight
There’s also some interesting news about Pereira’s development. UOL explain that, while Lionel Messi is his footballing idol and Julián Álvarez is the player he’s often compared to, Erling Haaland is the player he looks to for inspiration on the pitch.
Santos’ youth coaches describe a mobile centre-forward. He can drop deeper, get involved in build-up play and operate as a second striker.
He’s right-footed, likes shooting from distance and has impressed with his finishing, physical intensity and willingness to battle defenders.
That’s another comparison to add to the Julián Álvarez one made in previous Brazilian reporting. Quite a collection for someone who’s still only 16.
His latest numbers are encouraging, too. According to Globo Esporte, Pereira scored six goals in 17 Brazilian U17 Championship appearances. He finished as Santos’ second-highest scorer in the competition.
He added another four goals in nine matches in the Paulista U17 Championship. That’s ten in 26 games during his first season at this age level.
And there could be a bigger opportunity coming. UOL said Santos have kept Pereira training at their facilities while some of his U17 teammates compete in the U19 Copa Atlântico.
The coaching staff are assessing him with January’s Brazilian Youth Cup in mind. He could make the squad, initially as an option from the bench.
Patience is key now
There are still things to work on. The report says Santos recognise his considerable potential but believe he needs continued guidance on tactical and behavioural matters. That’s hardly surprising for a player who only turned 16 in February.
For Arsenal, the next step will be watching how he develops. His first professional contract is now sorted, and Santos appear to have plans to test him at a higher level.
If the Gunners liked what they saw before, they’ll now have to deal with a Brazilian club in a much stronger negotiating position.
