By SIMON JONES and BEN WILLCOCKS, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
Published: 10:52 EST, 4 December 2025 | Updated: 10:58 EST, 4 December 2025
Arsenal have officially signed highly-rated Ecuadorian twins Edwin and Holger Quintero from Independiente Del Valle.
Daily Mail Sportrevealed earlier this week that Arsenal were stepping up their interest in the duo last month - and the double signing has now been confirmed by the north London club.
The two brothers, who had travelled to London to go through formalities, will officially sign in August 2027 when they turn 18 after reaching an agreement with the Gunners.
Confirming the news in a statement, Arsenal said on the club's website: 'Arsenal Football Club have reached an agreement to sign twin brothers Edwin and Holger Quintero from Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle, with the twins due to join us in August 2027.
'The highly rated 16-year-olds who have grown up in Esmeraldas, Ecuador will arrive at the club when they turn 18. They will follow in the footsteps of our very own Piero Hincapie, who was born in the same region of Ecuador and is also a product of Independiente del Valle’s famed academy.'
Waxing lyrical about the pair's talents, the club added: 'Edwin and Holger are recognised as two of the most exciting young talents in South America, displaying consistent and impressive performances at youth level for club and country. Both players have been capped at U17 international level for Ecuador.
Arsenal have officially signed highly-rated Ecuadorian twins Edwin and Holger Quintero
Twins Holger and Edwin Quintero have agreed a deal in principle to join Arsenal in August 2027 when they turn 18 - with Edwin (right) having even comparisons in style to a young Neymar
'Edwin is left-footed, quick and a skilful dribbler. He operates as a right winger, likes to take on opponents and has a catalogue of skills.
'Holger is a technically gifted, right-footed, attacking midfielder who links play with his progressive vision and also possesses the ability to beat opponents with quick feet.
'We will be collaborating closely with Independiente del Valle on the development and wellbeing of both Edwin and Holger until they arrive at Arsenal.
'Everyone at Arsenal is excited to welcome the Quintero twins to the club in the near future. The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.'
Independiente Dele Valle are proving a rich seam for European clubs keen to mine new football talent.
The Quito-based club, which has spawned Chelsea signings Kendry Paez and Moises Caicedo, plus Arsenal's Hincapie, has an academy scheme that brings together young and disadvantaged players from across the country.
They are then developed and sold on with Premier League and Bundesliga scouts taking up residency at their academy games. They also have partnerships with Numancia in Spain and Pacos de Ferreira in Portugal.
Daily Mail Sport revealed in September how Chelsea had moved ahead of Liverpool for 16-year-old centre back Deinner Ordonez. Chelsea confirmed last month they have reached agreement to sign him officially in January 2028 once he has turned 18.
The Quito-based club, which has spawned Arsenal's Piero Hincapie (above) and Chelsea's Moises Caicedo, has an academy scheme that assembles young and disadvantaged players
Arsenal have enjoyed a superb start to the season and are favourites to win the Premier League
The Quintero brothers have moved through the levels in the same age group at 16, and have been monitored by Arsenal scouts for the past 12 months.
Edwin Quintero is a quick and skilful right winger who can also play in midfield and has even drawn comparisons in style to a young Neymar. Holger often works well in tandem with his brother but prefers a more central, attacking role.
Again, he is skilful, quick and technically good. They have been capped by Ecuador at youth level and caught the eye for their club in Next Generation and Sudamerica tournaments.