Gilberto rates Arsenal's chances of securing deal for Brazil's newest sensation

Gilberto Silva has underlined the value of "being well connected" as Arsenal join the race for Brazilian teenager Endrick.

The Palmeiras youngster, hailed as his country's most exciting prospect since Neymar, is attracting interest from a host of European clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona and both Manchester clubs. Endrick, 16, cannot move until he turns 18, by which point he could have a host of offers.

The forward made his first-team debut earlier this month as the clamour for his signature begins. Arsenal have impressively utilised the Brazilian market in recent years. They signed Gabriel Martinelli as an unknown quantity back in 2019 and they added Marquinhos this summer from Sao Paulo.

Arsenal also have Gabriel Jesus in their ranks whilst technical director Edu won 15 caps for Brazil. Gilberto, who was another South American import back in 2002, has suggested the Gunners could well succeed in their Endrick pursuit due to their contacts.

He told Metro : "We know the importance in football of being well connected, to people, clubs, sporting directors, presidents of the club. This is how things happen. But there is big competition to get the best players, from the best leagues. For Palmeiras, they are going to receive a lot of calls from many clubs, the best clubs in the world to try and bring him to them.

"It is a tough time for the player, honestly. Sometimes they are loads of messages, loads of opportunities, and it can be very difficult to make decisions. It is important for the people around him to give him the right advice together with the family, to let them make the right decision. Let's see, if some point Arsenal did manage to bring the player, they will be getting a very good player."

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Arsenal's recruitment has been crucial in turning them into possible Premier League title winners. The north Londoners added Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko in the summer and have been transformed, winning nine of their ten games to establish a four point lead at the top.

Attention will now turn to retaining their star players. They are in dialogue with Bukayo Saka and also want to keep hold of Martinelli, who continues to attract admirers. Mikel Arteta has nurtured the 21-year-old impressively and Gilberto is confident he will stay at the Emirates.

He said: "I think for him now, he has got the support of the manager. He is playing in a very good team, he is at a fantastic club. I think Arsenal will not face a challenge [in keeping him]."

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