Arsenal are closing in on a set of deals as they look to build for the future, with two academy stars from foreign soils likely to sign the dotted line in London imminently
Andrea Berta looks on
Andrea Berta has been working hard behind the scenes(Image: Alex Burstow, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal are set to sign Ecuadorian twins Edwin and Holger Quintero from Independiente Del Valle this week. The Gunners are setting their sights on the future with a keen focus on their academy as part of their recruitment strategy.
Arsenal have successfully nurtured some remarkable talents, including Bukayo Saka, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman, all of whom have made their mark on the senior team. Yet, the club is already preparing for the next generation, with the management doing everything possible to ensure a sustainable future through the Hale End academy.
This includes scouting and signing promising talent from other clubs who can contribute to Arsenal's long-term success. In line with this strategy, Arsenal have acted swiftly in the transfer market. And as per ESPN, the club has agreed to sign the Quintero brothers.
The report suggests that the pair are in London this week to finalise the details of a deal. At just 16 years old, the duo won't officially join Arsenal until 2027, when they turn 18 and are eligible to make the move.
This is yet another instance of the club identifying and securing promising young talents for the future, even if the payoff may not be immediate. Arsenal have been investing heavily in South American talent for many years now.
Gabriel Martinelli, who was signed from Brazilian side Ituano for a mere £6million, is perhaps the best example of this strategy paying off. The transfer fee for the Quintero twins remains undisclosed, but an announcement regarding their arrival is expected soon.
Piero Hincapie and William Saliba gesture
Piero Hincapie was a part of the Independiente youth system
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Independiente, the club the twins are being signed from, also played a significant role in the development of current Arsenal star Piero Hincapie and Moises Caicedo before his move to the Premier League. Arsenal's recruitment team have been working tirelessly to secure such talent early on, having already announced a pre-agreement to sign Victor Ozhianvuna.
The Shamrock Rovers starlet will join the Gunners in 2027 when he turns 18, following an impressive breakthrough campaign in Ireland. It comes at a time when opinions are divided over the success of Arsenal's academy.
While the development of first-team talent is evident, the under-21s and under-18s have had a disappointing season. However, there is hope that by signing some of the best future talent, Arsenal are bolstering their ranks to remain competitive.
In the end, the success of the academy will be measured by how well it nurtures talent that either bolsters the senior team or generates funds for reinvestment.
This is the cornerstone of Arsenal's sustainability plan under KSE, especially as the massive transfer expenditure seen last summer is unlikely to be repeated without improved player sales.
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