Who is Gabriel Carvalho? The Brazilian wonderkid wanted by Arsenal

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 8 Aug 2024 21:58 BST
5 min read

Arsenal have reportedly made an offer of more than €25 million for wonderkid Gabriel Carvalho, a name many probably haven't heard of.

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According to reports in Brazil, the Gunners are hot in pursuit of the latest gem to emerge from South America.

The 16-year-old midfielder currently plays for Internacional, while the deal is led by the club's technical directorEdu, who often likes to ultise his contacts in his home nation.

Carvalho came into the public consciousness earlier this summer when he made his professional debut for Internacional at the tender age of 16, coming on for the final 20 minutes of the 2-1 league defeat against EC Vitoria.

What position does Gabriel Carvalho play?

Carvalho plays as an attacking midfielder who can also play on either wing.

What clubs are interested in Gabriel Carvalho?

Arsenal are the club foremost keen on the teenager. The side were reported to have made an offer of €25m plus bonuses.

How good is Gabriel Carvalho?

Arsenal have made significant strides in the Brazilian market in recent years owing to Edu, who has helped secure the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus.

Now, it seems Arsenal could be on the verge of adding another Gabriel.

Carvalho became the youngest player for Internacional in the 21st century, breaking the record of former AC Milan player Alexandre Pato.

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Carvalho prefers to operate as a No. 10, but his versatility allows him to be effective on either wing when required. He has exceptional close control and, given his low centre of gravity, he is able to break the central line into the final third using his nimble feet to get past opposition players. to glide past defenders. His quick feet, speed, and dribbling skills make him incredibly difficult to dispossess.

Indeed, he stands at 5'6" currently, though of course that will change in the coming years. Carvalho is a playmaker of sorts - he has raw talent but also a degree of technical ability and good passing range.

He is well beyond his years in this regard, which is likely why Arsenal are interested in signing him.

Manchester City scouts have also shown interest in Carvalho, so Arsenal will face some competition.

Due to Carvalho's age, Arsenal wouldn't be able to bring him to the UK until he is 18. FIFA rules concerning international transfers prohibit minors from moving for transfers alone.