Arsenal will reportedly look to sign 16-year-old Brazilian defensive sensation Iago Machado from Corinthians next year.
According to a report by Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, Iago Machado is the subject of interest from Arsenal. The Gunners are keen on reinforcing their youth ranks by signing a promising defender in the coming months. So, the 16-year-old Corinthians wonderkid has emerged as a target for the North London club.
Apart from Arsenal, Ajax will also attempt to sign the teenage sensation from the South American nation. However, Corinthians will aim to tie the youngster to a new contract, raising his salary and increasing his release clause to €100 million, although “there are no ongoing discussions” over a renewal.
Who is Iago Machado?
Iago Machado is the latest promising prodigy to rise in prominence in his homeland. The 16-year-old has spent his formative years thus far in Brazil, rising through the ranks at Corinthians and breaking into the club’s under-20 side. The teenage prospect is already 1.87m tall, and coaches have raved about “his leadership on the field, good technique, game reading, and ability to score goals from set pieces” in age-group football.
The Brazilian defensive sensation has recently made his mark in Copinha, the prestigious under-20 level competition, scoring one goal in four outings. Meanwhile, Machado’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. Arsenal will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the coming months.
London calling?
Arsenal’s interest in Iago Machao is understandable. The Gunners have begun focusing on bolstering their youth ranks in recent years, and they have started planning forays into the South American market. Recent reports have linked Arsenal with other Brazilian prodigies, including Rafael Belinho.
Machado has now emerged as a viable target, even though Mikel Arteta’s squad has a stacked defensive unit. The teenage sensation will initially join Arsenal’s youth division before breaking into the first-team squad. However, the North London club will face stiff competition from Ajax for Machado’s signature.
Meanwhile, the report has suggested that “representatives from Corinthians and the company that manages the boy’s career have been contacted by European giants” over a possible move. However, Corinthians will aim to tie the youngster to a new contract, raising his salary and increasing his release clause to €100 million, although “there are no ongoing discussions” over a renewal.
