Arsenal monitoring Brazilian wonderkid after sending scouts to watch him
Arsenal have been scouting highly-rated Corinthians defender Iago Machado as they continue to monitor emerging talent in Brazil.
The 17-year-old centre-back has attracted attention from several leading European clubs after progressing rapidly through the Corinthians academy and into Fernando Diniz’s senior side.
According to Brazilian outlet TMC, Arsenal and Chelsea sent scouts to watch Machado during the Copa Sao Paulo de Futebol Junior, commonly known as the Copinha, earlier this year.
Bayern Munich have since reportedly added the teenager to their watchlist, increasing the competition surrounding one of Corinthians’ most promising academy products.
Arsenal’s interest is not entirely new, with Globo Esporte reporting in January that the Gunners had Machado on their radar after his performances at youth level.
Machado has since taken a significant step forward by breaking into the Corinthians first team.
The defender made his professional debut against Flamengo at the Maracana earlier this month and produced an assured display despite Corinthians suffering a 2-1 defeat.
Machado completed 90 per cent of his passes and registered 12 clearances during a demanding introduction against one of Brazil’s strongest attacking sides.
Diniz was particularly impressed with the teenager and believes he possesses the qualities required to enjoy a major career.
“He is a player who has everything to have a very bright future,” the Corinthians manager said. “He is different.”
Machado has been with Corinthians since he was six, initially joining the club’s futsal system before developing into a centre-back after moving onto the pitch.
Standing around 1.87 metres tall, the youngster has been praised for his speed, aerial ability, positioning and distribution, while he has also previously been used at full-back and in midfield.
He had already been training regularly with the senior squad before his debut, with Corinthians carefully managing his transition while allowing him to continue playing youth football.
Machado is contracted until April 2028, while Corinthians strengthened their protection over the youngster by inserting a €100 million release clause for overseas clubs.
There is currently no suggestion that Arsenal have submitted an offer, and Machado’s representatives are reportedly prioritising his development at Corinthians before considering a move abroad.
However, Arsenal’s decision to send scouts demonstrates that their interest has progressed beyond simply identifying the Brazilian prospect.
Machado’s emergence at senior level now gives Arsenal further opportunities to assess whether he could eventually become another long-term addition to the club’s growing collection of highly-rated young talent.
The post Arsenal monitoring Brazilian wonderkid after sending scouts to watch him first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.