Arsenal want ANOTHER Martinelli with Arteta eyeing up Brazilian midfielder

Arsenal have reportedly made an approach to sign Brazilian prospect Matheus Martinelli, potentially making him the second Martinelli at the club.

The Gunners signed forward Gabriel Martinelli - no relation - in July 2019, and scored 10 goals in an impressive debut season, although his current campaign has been hit by injury.

But Fluminense midfielder Matheus could follow the same path from Brazil to North London after the Gunners sounded out the 19-year-old's entourage to determine his interest in a prospective move.

According to Globo Esporte, Arsenal have scouted the teenager for the last few months and are keen to explore the logistics of a move, although they are yet to formally contact the top-tier side.

Martinelli, who has scored three times in 11 appearances since making his debut in December 2020, has played regularly for the Tricolor in the last few months.

He is understood to be happy at the club, looking forward to playing in the Copa Libertadores tournament for the first time and focused on fully breaking into Roger Machado's side at the Maracana.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is already planning ahead of this summer's transfer window, and despite spending £45million on central midfielder Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid back in October, is still keen to strengthen his midfield options.

Real Madrid loanee Martin Odegaard has impressed at the Emirates but his parent club have not yet decided whether to keep him, so Arsenal want to keep their options open in case the Norwegian is not allowed to leave.

However, with a £35million release clause written into his contract and with Fluminense not under any real pressure to sell, he would not come cheap for Arsenal.