Arsenal have emerged as fresh contenders to sign Real Madrid starlet Endrick during the winter transfer window, according to Calciomercato.
The 20-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Lyon. He was hugely successful, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists in just 21 appearances.
Endrick was linked with many clubs over the summer, but manager Jose Mourinho was quite clear that he did not want to part ways with the youngster.
However, the Palmeiras graduate has yet to secure regular playing time this campaign and has managed just 112 minutes under the Portuguese tactician.
Calciomercato now claim that AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale has been obsessed with signing Endrick since the summer, and he is prepared to revive the club’s pursuit.
However, the Rossoneri are bound to face competition from Roma, Aston Villa and ‘newcomer Arsenal’ for Endrick, who has made a couple of goal contributions this term.
The Italian outlet add that Mourinho blocked Endrick’s departure last summer, and his stance has become firmer over the coming months despite the forward’s lack of minutes.
Arsenal unlikely to land Endrick this winter
Endrick is primarily a centre-forward but can also operate as a second striker or on the right wing.
He has fared brilliantly this year with 18 goal contributions for Lyon and Madrid, but the fierce competition at Los Blancos means playing time is far from guaranteed.
The youngster has featured as a right winger this campaign. He currently finds himself behind Arda Guler and summer signing Yan Diomande for the wide attacking position.
Endrick likes to play as the main striker too, but Kylian Mbappe is an undisputed starter. Carlos Ezpi has been the regular back-up for the centre-forward position so far this term.
Hence, it is no surprise that Endrick is being linked with an exit, but his situation may not improve at Arsenal either, given that Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres are the regular strikers.
Arsenal also have Bukayo Saka (currently injured), Noni Madueke and Max Dowman competing on the right wing, which means Endrick has no potential opening for a starting role.
The Gunners are more likely to pursue a specialist left winger, which Endrick is not.
Even if Arsenal are keen on signing him, Madrid manager Jose Mourinho may not want to strengthen a direct Champions League rival at the halfway stage of the current campaign.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com