Thiago Fernandez has claimed that Arsenal and Manchester United are not in contact for Marcos Leonardo, with Newcastle United ahead in the race.
According to Thiago Fernandes of Goal Brasil has suggested that Arsenal and Manchester United are not in the running for Marcos Leonardo. He pointed at Newcastle United leading the race while confirming Real Madrid’s enquiry as the 20-year-old could leave Santos in January.
Premier League clubs are increasingly taking a keen interest in the Brazilian market, as many have made numerous enquiries for some of their young, up-and-coming stars. Then, some are mildly established players with top clubs, and there is sufficient interest in those, too.
One of their rising stars is Marcos Leonardo, the Santos striker with 21 goals this season, creating waves with his performances. Following massive interest from top clubs from this side of the world, the forward chose to remain at Santos to help with their sporting project.
His agent, Rafaela Pimenta, commented how Leonardo could have left in the summer but decided to stay. There was also confirmation that there is a massive possibility of the 20-year-old leaving Santos in January, boosting the chances of Arsenal and Manchester United to secure the forward’s services.
INFORMAÇÃO!!!
Não houve contato de Arsenal e Manchester United por Marcos Leonardo, como publicado na Inglaterra. Todas as partes negam interesse da dupla britânica.
Newcastle e Roma seguem interessados, e Real Madrid fez apenas uma consulta. @GoalBR
📸 Divulgação/Santos pic.twitter.com/P7vPvpQNXG
— Thiago Fernandes (@thirfernandes) November 20, 2023
Now, Goal Brasil’s Thiago Fernandes has claimed that Arsenal and Manchester United have had no contract with Santos or Leonardo’s entourage about a move. He does point towards interest from Real Madrid, Newcastle United and AS Roma.
Newcastle United have an interest, and from this report, among the Premier League sides, they are leading the chase for Leonardo. The Magpies do not need a new striker but could seize the opportunity to snap up the 21-goal Santos star.
The earlier report about Leonardo’s agent confirming the intention to leave in January also mentioned Santos’ asking price, which stands at £20 million. That is a puzzling sum for the player, considering how much some of the younger stars in Brazil are going for.
If there is accuracy in the reporting about the price, then it feels like a snippet for Premier League clubs, especially Newcastle United. With the Magpies reportedly in the lead, they must act fast if they are to secure the signature of Leonardo.
While Arsenal and Manchester United’s interest seems non-existent, there is every chance of those two giants entering the race between now and the January window. As things stand, Leonardo does have the attention of notable clubs. But other top sides could come into the picture, too.
