Arsenal Rumors: Gunners In Talks For Transfer Of 'Next Bruno Fernandes,' Brazilian Wonderkid – Report

Arsenal could be already working on a double swoop for two highly-rated wingers, according to reports.

The Gunners appear to be moving forward in their revamp as the team has reportedly identified two top targets outside the English Premier League. Portuguese media said Arsenal has started discussions with the people involved for the transfer of Sporting CP’s Pedro Goncalves and Fluminense’s Matheus Martinelli. International Business Times could not independently verify this information.

Mikel Arteta’s side is said to have been “crazy” about Goncalves, and Arsenal has already made an offer to Sporting CP for the signature of the attacking midfielder, Portuguese outlet A Bola reported.

The exact figures were not mentioned, but the report added that Arsenal might face a stumbling block in signing Goncalves as the 22-year-old is tied up with Sporting until summer 2025. On top of this, the Portuguese winger has a release clause in his contract amounting to €60 million ($71 million).

Goncalves has been earning rave reviews in Portugal this season, having displayed exceptional goalscoring form for the Primeira Liga leaders. So far, Goncalves already has 15 goals and five assists to his name and has become Sporting’s top performer. He is best known as the “next Bruno Fernandes,” having been able to fill the void the Portuguese left in Sporting.

Martinelli has also been on Arsenal’s radar, per reports. The Gunners are believed to have taken a step forward in the chase for the Brazilian wonderkid and have already made “initial contacts” with Fluminense, Portuguese publication Globo Esporte reported.

According to the report, Arsenal has reached out to Martinelli’s agent and a formal bid is expected to be on its way as well.

However, the report further noted that the 19-year-old’s representatives are happy to stay in Brazil at the moment. Moreso, should Arsenal decide to push through with a move for Martinelli, the north London outfit would have to pay a hefty €40 million ($47.5 million) release clause.

Like Goncalves, Martinelli has also impressed in Fluminense this season. The winger is currently playing in his first season with the senior team but has already made his mark in the Brazilian Serie A side.

To date, Martinelli has made a total of 16 appearances for Fluminense across all competitions, functioning as a central or defensive midfielder. In the process, he has netted three goals and dished out one assist, making him one of the latest promising South American starlets to draw interest from big-name European clubs.