A future Arsenal star grabbed the headlines on Friday with a stunning goal on his debut for his club as he prepares to move to north London in 2027
13:27, 04 Jul 2026
Future Arsenal prospect Edwin Quintero scored for Independiente del Valle on Friday
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Future Arsenal prospect Edwin Quintero scored for Independiente del Valle on Friday(Image: Getty Images)
Future Arsenal prospect Edwin Quintero scored a sensational solo goal three minutes into his senior debut for Independiente del Valle against Manta on Friday.
Quintero, 16, who will join the Gunners in January 2027, came on as a substitute for the Ecuadorian club in the 84th minute and found the net soon after. Picking up the ball on the right side, Quintero played a smart one-two with Hugo Quintana before dribbling past two defenders and slotting beyond the goalkeeper.
It was a special goal from the 2009-born talent and he couldn't contain his excitement after scoring as he ran across to the corner flag with a beaming smile before being congratulated by his teammates.
The game finished 4-0 as Independiente extended their lead at the top of the LigaPro table to a staggering 13 points after just 17 matches. They steamrolled to win the Ecuador top-flight last season and have won it on one other occasion, with that coming in the Covid-impacted 2021 campaign.
But Quintero will now be hoping to gain further experience of senior football prior to his move to Arsenal. Independiente's league season is set to run through until December, meaning he is set to have a short period off before flying to England and joining up with his new teammates.
Future Arsenal star Edwin Quintero in action for Independiente del Valle
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Future Arsenal star Edwin Quintero in action for Independiente del Valle(Image: Getty Images)
Quintero won't be moving to the Gunners by himself, however. Indeed, his twin brother Holger Quintero will also join Mikel Arteta's side in 2027, after a deal was confirmed last December.
At the time, Arsenal said that they will be "closely collaborating" with Independiente until the duo officially join. The move to bring both Edwin and Holger Quintero was seen as a real coup with the Gunners having invested heavily into the South American market for both talent and scouting.
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As a further testament to that, Quintero brothers have been described as 'new Ronaldinhos' by Burbano, who previously coached them. He told EL COMERCIO: "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."
As well as that, Edwin has often been compared to Brazil superstar and former Barcelona man Neymar due to his close control, balance and elite dribbling ability.