Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Arsenal have once again been brought into Luiz Henrique’s thinking, with the Zenit winger going further than before by revealing conversations with current Gunners players about a potential move.
The Brazilian’s admiration for the club is no longer just a childhood preference – it is now tied to direct insight from inside Mikel Arteta’s squad.
The 23-year-old continues to build a strong reputation in Russia and with the Brazil national team. He just had two brilliant cameos in frendlies against France and Croatia and will probably be on the plane to North America in June.
His numbers back that buzz up. Luiz Henrique has already delivered double-digit goal contributions this season for Zenit, maintaining the same explosive profile that made him stand out in Brazil. Pace, dribbling and one-v-one ability remain his main weapons, and they continue to translate at a higher level.
Arsenal transfer conversations and growing pull
Luiz Henrique’s links with Arsenal began with the player himself. Last November he said he would like to play for the Gunners. In the meanwhile, his agent revealed he would prioritise a move to England if his client ever moved from Russia.
Now, he has taken that a step further by confirming he has spoken directly with Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli about life at the club.
“I really like Arsenal. I’ve said that a lot in interviews. I like the way they play, very aggressive, using the wide players a lot on both sides,” he explained to Flashscore in Brazil.
He then revealed those internal conversations: “I’ve spoken with Gabriel Magalhães and Martinelli. They told me the team there is excellent, and the coach too. Arteta is like a father figure, someone who really likes the players and is always listening to them. So, God willing, I want to have that opportunity to work with him as well.”
Those comments reinforce the idea that Arsenal are not just an abstract ambition. There is now a clearer connection between the player and the environment at the club, which can often play a role in future transfer decisions.
Premier League background and rising trajectory
Arsenal are not alone in having tracked Luiz Henrique in the past. Before his move to Zenit, there was strong interest from Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United, with English clubs actively competing for his signature. That interest has remained relevant given his continued development.
Players with his profile – direct, powerful and creative in wide areas – tend to attract Premier League attention consistently.
Given his age and trajectory, it would be a surprise if he remained in Russia for the long term, especially with Zenit now open to offers and having set a €40m (£34m) asking price.
But Luiz Henrique’s priorities remain clear. He wants to win the World Cup with Brazil and continue performing at Zenit. At the same time, he is openly building a pathway towards England, and Arsenal sit firmly at the centre of that plan.
The winger has the level to start for many Premier League sides already, and his profile fits the league’s demands. Based on current form and output, he surely would align well with Arteta’s attacking structure if the opportunity arises.
Fair to say he’s done his part building the scenario. Now the transfer is up to Arsenal.
🇩🇪 Kennet Eichhorn, Jean-Mattéo Bahoya and Nathaniel Brown
➡️ Arsenal in the mix for 3 Bundesliga youngstershttps://t.co/WTT4Mfh9Hw #afc
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) April 1, 2026