Arsenal have confirmed the signings of Ecuadorian twins Edwin and Holger Quintero from Independiente del Valle, with the highly rated 16-year-olds scheduled to join the club when they turn 18 in August 2027.
The deals continue Arsenal’s push to secure elite emerging talent from South America before they become established names on the European market.
Welcome to The Arsenal, Edwin & Holger Quintero ❤️
The highly sought-after Ecuadorian duo have signed pre-contract agreements to join the Gunners from Independiente del Valle in 2027 👇
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 4, 2025
Both players have represented Ecuador up to under-17 level, although neither has made a senior club appearance in Ecuador’s top flight.
Edwin is a left-footed winger who operates mainly on the right and is regarded as a direct wide attacker with pace and flair.
Holger is an attacking midfielder who plays centrally or off the left and is known for his vision and close control.
Arsenal stated that they will work closely with Independiente del Valle on the brothers’ development and welfare until they are eligible to move to England.
The pair are expected to sign long-term contracts with the Premier League club on arrival, with reports suggesting the financial package could reach £9 million.
Their move follows the signing of fellow teenager Victor Ozhianvuna from Shamrock Rovers, who will also join the club when he turns 18 in January 2027.
Independiente del Valle’s academy has become a key supplier to Europe and is recognised for producing technically refined players who adapt to possession-based systems.
Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo and Paris Saint-Germain defender William Pacho both came through the same pathway, along with rising talent Kendry Paez.
Piero Hincapie, currently on loan at Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen with an option to buy, is another product of the Ecuadorian club’s youth setup.
The Quinteros are viewed inside Arsenal as long-term investments and part of a shift towards building a sustainable core rather than relying exclusively on expensive senior recruitment.
The brothers are likely to start in the academy setup but could be fast-tracked if they reach first-team standard by the time they arrive.
Arsenal have seen recent success in promoting academy players, with Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman all earning minutes under Mikel Arteta.
The club believes early exposure to competitive senior environments abroad can accelerate player readiness for English football.
Premier League clubs cannot register overseas players until they are 18 because of post-Brexit regulations.
Those regulations have shaped Arsenal’s recent approach and delayed the arrival of several teenage signings.