Arsenal appear to have signed technical director Edu’s son, Luigi Gaspar, from Corinthians after the Brazilian sent the teenager a message on Instagram all but confirming the move.
The 15-year-old has been part of the youth set up at Corinthians since he was eight years old, though does not have a contract with the Brazilian side and is free to join Arsenal for nothing.
Corinthians will, however, be entitled to 1% of future transactions involving Luigi, as per FIFA’s rules regarding the transfer of young players.
Luigi posted a lengthy farewell message in Instagram, saying: ‘It was a pleasure to play for Corinthians, where I’ve won many titles.
‘I’ve grown as person to be who I am today. My heart is black and white.’
Edu replied to the message, writing in response: ‘Now it is time for a new challenge. I am waiting for you, I am sure you will be a hit here!’
Luigi has built a good reputation at Corinthians in the youth teams and scored a vital, table-topping goal earlier this summer as the Under-15 side beat Santo Andre 2-0 back in June.
He is now expected to join up with Arsenal’s academy and becomes the second Brazilian to swap South America for North London this summer, with Edu having also snapped Gabriel Martinelli in a £6m deal from Ituano.
Arsenal have had a busy summer transfer window, signing William Saliba and Dani Ceballos on loan, while they are expected to announce the £72m arrival of Nicolas Pepe imminently and also want a centre-back and left-back.
