Arsenal ahead in pursuit of 'special' 18-year-old to replace one of their most talented stars: report

Arsenal are looking at a wonderkid to replace one of their biggest talents.

The summer transfer window will seem like an age away to anyone of an Arsenal persuasion, as for now, the focus is fully on the conclusion to the Premier League season, and the stressful pursuit of a first title in over two decades.

But all elite clubs are incessantly searching for the next great talent, and Arsenal appear to have identified one.

Arsenal leading race to sign Lucca

Get VIP Arsenal tickets HERE with Seat Unique!: at track.webgains.com

Arsenal's premium Club Level tickets offer superb padded seating and access to the lounge two-and-a-half hours pre-match. The package includes four drinks, one food item, and a half-time complimentary drink. Guests also receive a £5 merchandise voucher and a complimentary Museum Tour, ensuring an elevated and comprehensive matchday experience for home supporters.

View Deal

The Gunners have been linked with a move for Sao Paulo’s 18-year-old winger Lucca Marques, who has caught the eye in Brazil.

And according to a report from German outlet BILD, Arsenal are ahead of Borussia Dortmund in the race to secure his signature.

Lucca is under contract with Sao Paulo until 2028, so a significant fee could be required to prise him away.

Dortmund reportedly see the youngster as a player that could develop and follow in the footsteps of other young stars to have cut their teeth at Signal Iduna Park: Ousmane Dembele, Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho amongst them.

There are said to be “other European clubs” monitoring Lucca, so Arsenal and Dortmund could face further competition.

The teenager holds the record for the youngest ever player to appear for Sao Paulo and scored his first goal in the Copa Libertadores this season.

The news comes as BBC Sport's senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel broke the news that one of the Gunners' most exciting young talents, Ethan Nwaneri, could be leaving the Gunners this summer.

Nwaneri and fellow Hale End graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly are said to be up for sale this summer, as the club look to balance their heavy spend last summer with ‘pure profit’ sales during this transfer window.

Arsenal are also open to offers for Gabriel Martinelli, who has scored just a single league goal this term.

The Gunners host Bournemouth this weekend, as Premier League action returns.