Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly among the clubs that are keeping a keen eye on the progress of Kaio Jorge over a possible summer move.
According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, Kaio Jorge has become a hot property in the transfer market ahead of the summer transfer window. The 19-year-old Brazilian striker is being chased by Arsenal and Chelsea among a number of other top European clubs, with his deal with Santos running out in December.
Kaio Jorge joined the Santos academy in 2012 at the age of 10 before making rapid strides within the youth setup. The teenage prodigy made such a quick impression on his youth coaches that he ended up making his first-team debut in 2018 while still only 16. Since then, he has progressed considerably and has gone on to make 50 further appearances for Santos.
The Brazilian giants, though, are in a precarious position over the future of the 19-year-old, whose current contract will expire when the year ends. This situation has alerted a number of top clubs in Europe, including Arsenal and Chelsea, to the potential availability of Jorge.
Arsenal are set to be forced into the market for a striker owing to the uncertain future of Alexandre Lacazette, who has recently been offered to Barcelona. With a number of other clubs being linked with the French striker as well, the Gunners have to scour for a replacement, especially with Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun also touted for a summer exit.
The Gunners are reportedly keeping their options open, with Andre Silva also linked with a move. Now, Jorge has emerged as a viable target as well, with the Brazilian prodigy being an even longer term an option for Arsenal. Chelsea, on the other hand, could also be entering the market for a striker this summer.
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In particular, a move for Erling Haaland has been mooted, with the Borussia Dortmund striker set to be the priority for the Blues this summer. Chelsea’s interest in a striker has cropped up due to Timo Werner’s inconsistencies this season, while Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud are being linked with possible summer exits.
Therefore, signing someone like Jorge could be a step in the right direction for Chelsea. The west Londoners and Arsenal, though, face some stiff competition for the teenager’s signature, with the likes of Inter Milan, Juventus, Ajax, Lyon and Shakhtar Donetsk also pursuing him. A bright prospect with a bright future and it remains to be seen where he will end up next.
