Marcos Leanardo’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, insists the 20-year-old Arsenal and Manchester United target could leave Santos in January.
According to 90 Min, Arsenal and Manchester United target Marcos Leonardo could leave Santos in January, as his agent, Rafaela Pimenta, hints at a move. The 20-year-old striker has plenty of suitors from England and Europe, with Santos reportedly set to demand £20 million for his sale.
Per his agent Rafaela Pimenta, Marcos Leonardo is ready to leave Santos in January. The 20-year-old striker reportedly had the chance to join English and European clubs during the summer, but he remained at Santos for sporting reasons.
Pimenta said, “Already in the previous transfer window, he had the possibility of being sold.”. “But Santos’ sporting situation was very particular. He accepted 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.”
There’s a scramble for strikers in Europe and England, with many Premier League sides keen to sign an exciting frontman. Manchester United had already set sights on Leonardo earlier and could launch a move in January.
With Erik ten Hag reportedly keen to add another forward to his system, Leonardo’s profile could excite the Dutch boss. Manchester United have had a challenging start to their season, with Rasmus Hojlund, a big summer arrival, failing to score in the Premier League so far.
In Leonardo’s chase, Manchester United faces plenty of top competition, with Real Madrid also sounding out a move for the 20-year-old striker. Santos could resign over losing the forward and reportedly demand a modest sum of £20 million to sell him.
Considering the interest Leonardo continues to attract and his contract until 2026, there are question marks over Santos’ asking price, considering the fee some other younger talents are going for. Arsenal are also keen on the forward, as Mikel Arteta is ready to pivot from the idea of an established striker.
Leonardo has had a prolific season, with 21 goals across all competitions. The Gunners had links to Ivan Toney, but finances and the need for another midfielder could scupper their plans for the Brentford man. While Arsenal have a prolific bunch of versatile forwards, signing Leonardo would make more sense from a financial and progression standpoint.
There’s already a healthy Brazilian contingent at Arsenal, and the presence of Edu Gaspar could help swing the Leonardo transfer in the Gunners’ favour. With the idea of him departing Santos appearing imminent, other suitors like Manchester United could also push for a move ahead of the Gunners.