Arsenal are reportedly keen to beat off interest from several European bigwigs to Brazilian wonderkid Luighi.
Arsenal are bracing for a transfer battle with European heavyweights Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund as they look to secure the signature of Brazilian wonderkid Luighi, who recently extended his contract with Palmeiras until 2029.
The 19-year-old forward has long been admired by Arsenal scouts, having first caught their attention with a standout showing at the Under-17 World Cup in 2023, where he netted crucial goals for Brazil. Since then, Luighi has continued his upward trajectory, playing a key role in Palmeiras’ run to the final of the Under-20 Copa Libertadores, and now appears poised for a breakthrough into the first team.
Despite Luighi’s new deal including a release clause exceeding £70 million, previous negotiations involving Palmeiras players suggest the Brazilian giants could be open to lower bids. Chelsea-bound Estevao Willian, one of the players currently ahead of Luighi in the pecking order, had a £60 million clause but was sold for less than half that amount in a £28 million deal, a precedent that Arsenal, Inter Milan, and Borussia Dortmund may look to exploit.
Luighi: A well-scouted talent
According to The Sun, the Gunners have closely monitored Luighi’s development over the past year, viewing him as a long-term attacking prospect. His style of play, combining explosive pace, clever movement, tight dribbling, and a natural eye for goal, aligns well with Mikel Arteta’s fluid system. With comparisons drawn to Wolves star Matheus Cunha, Luighi could add depth and a new dimension to Arsenal’s forward line, particularly on the flanks or as a secondary striker.
Securing Luighi would also further Arsenal’s strategy of tapping into Palmeiras’s talent pipeline — the same club that produced Gabriel Jesus, now a regular at the Emirates. Reports from Brazilian outlets suggest Arsenal’s interest dates back to at least October 2023, with insiders describing Luighi as a “space-creator” who thrives under pressure and can unlock tightly packed defences — a valuable asset in the Premier League.
Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund are also in the race
Arsenal are far from alone in the chase. Inter Milan were alerted to Luighi’s talent by an Italian agent operating in Brazil and have since stepped up their scouting efforts. With Lautaro Martinez drawing interest from abroad, Inter are keen to bolster their future forward options.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund see Luighi as a potential replacement for Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, who has been linked with a Premier League move this summer. Known for nurturing young talent, Dortmund may appeal to Luighi’s desire for consistent first-team football in Europe.
Luighi represents everything top clubs crave in the modern game, such as versatility, flair, and potential for exponential growth. Arsenal’s push for young, technically gifted forwards shows a clear commitment to building sustainably, and Luighi fits that profile perfectly. However, they must act swiftly. Dortmund’s reputation for fast-tracking young talents into starting roles and Inter’s growing South American scouting network pose real threats.
For Arsenal, the deciding factor may not be money, but opportunity. If they can assure Luighi a development path that mirrors Gabriel Martinelli’s or Bukayo Saka’s, North London could become the ideal launchpad for the next Brazilian star.