Arsenal are currently putting the finishing touches on a double transfer swoop for Ecuadorian teenagers Edwin and Holger Quintero
Ryan Taylor
12:44, 02 Dec 2025
Ronaldinho jerseys outside the Emirates Stadium
View 2 Images
Arsenal have been told they've landed two gems like Ronaldinho
Arsenal have been told they are signing 'two Ronaldinho's' in the form of Edwin and Holger Quintero, the two 16-year-old brothers who are now finalising their arrival from Independiente del Valle.
The Gunners are attempting to beat the rush for the generational South American twins as a host of big-name clubs from Europe, including Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Sevilla, had also been monitoring the pair.
Speaking to Ecuadorian outlet EL COMERCIO, Burbano, who previously coached the Quintero brothers, revealed they are destined for the very top as he likened them to one particular Brazilian icon.
He said: "People pay to see good football. They're going to give you spectacular plays. They're like Ronaldinho. Juggling, step-overs, whatever you can imagine, but they have to know when; first think about the team and then about that."
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta delivers triple Arsenal injury update as William Saliba timeline detailedREAD MORE: Arsenal star sparks transfer pain with last-minute winner as clean sheet king proves worth
Burbano also feels the brothers would benefit from learning English before they formally move to London following their 18th birthdays.
They are not expected to move to London until August 2027 and in the meantime, will continue their development at Independiente del Valle in Ecuador.
Burbano added: "Europe is getting two gems with unique natural abilities, but if they nurture their mental, psychological, and educational development, they will also be a sensation and bring us much joy.
"Why not consider that they could pursue a short degree? Why not start learning English now? Going to Europe at 18 with fluent English would be spectacular."
Independiente del Valle is renowned for producing top young Ecuadorian talent as the likes of Moises Caicedo, Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie, Club Brugge's Joel Ordonez and PSG's Willian Pacho all came through the ranks there.
Piero Hincapie
View 2 Images
Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie also came through the ranks at Independiente del Valle(Image: Indrawan Kumala/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
There is now growing emphasis on Premier League clubs doing deals for young talents from South America, although they cannot arrive until their 18th birthday due to changes brought in by Brexit.
Chelsea's deal to sign 18-year-old Estevao Willian from Palmeiras has encouraged clubs to explore the South American market.
Article continues below
Now that Arsenal's squad is arguably stronger than ever, the club are poised to continue signing young gems with huge potential.
The Gunners have already wrapped up the signing of 16-year-old Republic of Ireland U17 international midfielder Victor Ozhianvuna, who will be joining the club in January 2027 from Shamrock Rovers.
Join the football.london Arsenal WhatsApp channel
Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london's dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!
By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.
To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!
If you're curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.