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Arsenal is watching a teenager compared to Julian Alvarez
(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Arsenal never stop looking for the next gem to add to their squad, and the Gunners have now identified one at Santos. The 16-year-old is developing quickly in the Santos U17 team and has established himself as one of the best teenage attackers in Brazil at that age group.

Santos consider Pereira one of the top talents they will soon export, while his development has already attracted attention from clubs in Europe. The youngster has also been likened to Julian Alvarez, whom Arsenal wanted to add to their squad in the last transfer window.

Arsenal remain interested in Alvarez, but they could now have an opportunity to find their own promising attacker directly from South America. Manchester City followed a similar path with Alvarez much earlier in his career.

Arsenal Join Race for Santos Talent

Up to six top European teams are interested in adding Pereira to their squad in the next transfer window, according to RTI Esporte. Arsenal are among those clubs, with the Gunners continuing to look for promising players around the world.

The interest reflects the progress Pereira has made with Santos U17. He has been developing quickly and has become one of the standout teenage attackers in Brazil at his age group.

Santos regard him as a player who could eventually leave the club for Europe. His comparison with Alvarez has also added to the attention surrounding the youngster, particularly with Arsenal having previously wanted to sign the Manchester City attacker.

Gunners Could Secure Pereira Early

Pereira cannot move clubs until he turns 18, meaning Arsenal would have to wait before he could join their team. However, the Gunners could still look to secure his future before he reaches the required age.

Arsenal can sign Pereira on a pre-contract agreement to secure his future with the club when he becomes old enough to move. That could allow them to beat other interested European teams to his signature.

With up to six top European teams reportedly interested, Arsenal will need to decide whether to act early. Pereira’s development at Santos has already put him on the radar of major clubs, and the Gunners are among those monitoring his progress.

This article first appeared on Just Arsenal and was syndicated with permission.

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