Arsenal scouting mission for 'next Vinicius Jr' revealed with next step in big Edu transfer plan

Arsenal transfer news: The Gunners are planning for a double move in Brazil with steps taken to ahead of the competition.

Arsenal are set for a key scouting mission with Brazilian youth stars Vitor Roque and Matheus Franca in their sights, according to reports. The Gunners, who have had great success with previous youngsters coming from South America, are stepping up their interest in two of Brazil's best talents and will be watching as Flamengo play on Wednesday night.

According to Torcedores, Edu has sent scout Jonathan Vidalle to watch the teenager in action. The north Londoners might have to act quickly if they are to get a deal though with Liverpool, Newcastle and Crystal Palace also said to be interested in him.

Flamengo have history, just like Arsenal, of being involved in transfers for players that have gone on to become world stars with Vinicius Jr and Lucas Paqueta amongst those that have left the club in recent years.

It comes as the Gunners look to strengthen their midfield having been linked with bigger money moves for more established names such as Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice. They were also heavily pushing for a deal to bring Youri Tielemanns to the club last summer as well.

Franca is a player for the future though and, should he join, would be put on a similar path of development to that of Gabriel Martinelli. The winger has shone this season by scoring 14 league goals. He joined for around £5m in 2019 as a teenager and has established himself as one of the best attackers in the country.

The current crop of potential new recruits are not at that level just yet but the mass interest in them shows just how highly rated they are.