Premier League sides Arsenal and Manchester United are interested in signing Santos FC striker Marcos Leonardo, claims 90Min.
The 20-year-old made his senior debut for Santos in 2020 and in these three years, he’s made 164 appearances for the Brazilian side. In the 2023 season, he’s netted 13 goals along with 2 assists in 27 league matches.
The youngster was strongly linked with a move to the Serie A during the summer but ultimately a transfer did not materialize. However, his agent Rafaela Pimenta has made it clear that the striker wants to move out now.
He said, “Already in the previous transfer window, he had the possibility of being sold. But Santos’ sporting situation was very particular. He agreed to stay because he wanted to help out until the end of the season.
“He didn’t want to leave because it wasn’t the right thing to do. But the time has come for the transfer. He wants to have a European experience, and his time will come this winter.”
Man United are looking for a backup striker to Rasmus Hojlund as Ten Hag prepares to sell Anthony which is why they are prioritising the signing of a new centre-forward.
Arsenal are also planning to offload Gabriel Jesus so they too want to bring in someone like Marcos Leonardo.
Leonardo’s current deal with Santos expires in 2026 and as per the reports, the Brazilian side are looking for a fee of around €25 million.
Everyone would believe that Manchester United and Arsenal are going to be in a two-horse race but if rumours in Brazil are to be believed then Newcastle United are the current favourites to land the 20-year-old.
A €25 million transfer fee should not be a problem for either of the three Premier League teams but a young Brazilian moving to England will want to play regularly which is perhaps why Eddie Howe’s team are standing in the front of the queue.
Also, Man United and Arsenal will need to offload their backup forwards before they can make any sort of concrete move for Marcos Leonardo because, with Anthony Martial and Jesus still on board, Leonardo will become the third centre-forward.
