Arsenal and Newcastle United have Cruzeiro youngster Eduardo Pape on their radar as hype around him in Brazil continues to grow.
The midfielder joined the Brazilian club from lower division side Azuriz Futebol Clube in 2024.
He’s yet to make his first team debut but has caught Arsenal, Newcastle United and other European clubs’ attention. This would mainly be down to his performances for Cruzeiro U20 and Brazil youth teams.
Last year, the 17-year-old made his Cruzeiro U20 debut and played 32 matches, scoring three goals and contributing three assists. He operated in the middle of the pitch and also as a defensive and an attacking midfielder.
Arsenal and Newcastle United join chase
In May, Sport Witness covered a report from Brazil explaining that Chelsea, Manchester City and AFC Bournemouth showed interest in Eduardo Pape. A month later, the South American club acquired an additional 20% of his rights.
Fast forward to October and ESPN Brasil‘s Felipe Silva covers the latest about Arsenal and Newcastle United.
He says the teenager is one of ‘greatest talents and rising stars’ of Brazilian football. This hasn’t gone unnoticed in Europe, where the Premier League duo and Bayern Munich are his suitors. The trio are among the clubs monitoring the Brazil U18 international.
Pape’s contract is until December 2029 and it includes a €100m release clause for foreign clubs. Cruzeiro hold 70% of his rights.
Signing around €20-25m
Azuriz president Nelson Ramos recently said Cruzeiro are aiming for him to be the club-record sale and UmDois Esportes have relayed his comments. Their current club-record is around €18-20m from Geovanni’s sale to Barcelona in 2001.
He said: “The expectation is that it will be the biggest sale in Cruzeiro’s history, between €20-€25m.”
“But first, we want him to continue building on the solid career he had since Azuriz. It’s not just about the sale. We hope he can be at the 2030 World Cup with the Brazilian national team.”
Cruzeiro director of youth development, Adilson Batista, told UmDois Esportes about his assessment of the Arsenal and Newcastle United target.
“He’s intelligent; he anticipates plays. He’s clear-headed and facilitates the entire build-up,” Batista explained.
“I’ve known him since the U-15s here at Cruzeiro. He’s played as a No. 8 on the flanks in midfield in a 4-3-3, getting into the box and scoring headers. Or as a No. 5, as a defensive midfielder.”
“He reminds me of Rodri and Falcão, players who really know how to play. He’s been impressing me; I like him a lot. I see a very bright future for his career. He’s a simple, humble, hardworking, and responsible young man.”
For now, Mikel Arteta’s side and the Magpies are only monitoring the young talent. He will turn 18 years of age next March, meaning Pape can’t move to the UK until next summer.
