Manager Mikel Arteta is clearly not happy with his attacking options – now the hunt for Real Madrid’s young Brazilian is stepping up sharply!
Arsenal are planning a bold and ambitious move to secure Endrick before the transfer window closes, and the Spaniard is clearly determined to further strengthen his attacking line.
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In the first game of the season, the Gunners impressed when they put Coventry three goals behind in front of a packed Emirates Stadium. With Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz as solid centre-back options, and the versatile Mikel Merino as an added option, you’d think the attack was covered. But Arsenal have been on the lookout for a new star striker throughout the summer – and now they seem to have found their main target.
Arsenal have the hanging match in round two and travel to Villa Park on Monday to face Aston Villa. Captain Martin Ødegaard, like other Norwegian players in the Premier League, has been given permission to wear mourning bands.
Initially, the north London club were very interested in luring Vinicius Junior to the Premier League, but after Real Madrid rejected all approaches, the focus has now shifted to young Endrick.
– Testing Mourinho’s patience with official bid
Endrick (20) is an Argentine-born Brazilian who had a very successful loan spell at Lyon last season, and now Arsenal have taken the plunge fully.
talkSPORT reports that the clubs have already held preliminary talks over a transfer for the 20-year-old, and that Arsenal have now sent an official enquiry to Real Madrid.
Manager José Mourinho has insisted that Endrick is not for sale this summer, but it seems that Arsenal are willing to put that claim to the test. The fact that they are now choosing to send an official bid testifies to the fact that they believe there is a possibility of getting him out of Madrid.
– Alvarez plan shelved – Endrick becomes main target
Interestingly, this move comes at a time when Arsenal have also been keeping a close eye on Julian Alvarez at Atletico Madrid. The Argentine has long been a top priority target for Arteta, but interest from his side for a return to the Premier League has been lackluster.
Alvarez prioritizes a move to Barcelona above all else – and while Atletico don’t want to fulfill that desire, Arsenal seem to have realized that they need to look for other options. Thus, Endrick has emerged as the hottest name on the block.
– Mourinho: “He’s not for sale”
About Endrick, Mourinho himself stated earlier this week:
” He is a player I like very much, and he has had many enquiries from clubs who have wanted him on loan or transfer. I didn’t want to loan or sell him, because I like the player and want to work with this young talent who has so many important skills.
But despite Mourinho’s clear words, Endrick hasn’t actually played for Real Madrid this season – but that’s due to a hamstring problem, not that the club is trying to keep him hidden from transfer rumours. The Brazilian last played for Madrid in a Copa del Rey match against CF Talavera in December 2025.
– The Lyon loan that changed everything
Real Madrid sent the youngster on loan to Lyon for the second half of last season, and there he really flourished. He recorded eight goals and eight assists in his games for the Ligue 1 club – and one of the highlights was a hat-trick against FC Metz that showed just how big his potential is.
After scoring five goals in his first five games for Lyon, he was even compared to Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema – who also started his European career at Lyon.
When Endrick himself was asked to become “the new Benzema”, he replied with humility:
” It’s very nice for me, because he’s a fantastic player, an incredible player, who was the best in the world. But Karim is light years ahead of me. I hope he does well at Al Hilal. I’m very happy to be here, where Karim played.
– Arsenal’s summer hunt in attack: Here’s how it looks
Arsenal have had a hectic summer in the transfer market, and their attacking desire has been clear:
- Morgan Rogers – went to Chelsea for a staggering £117 million
- Vinicius Jr – Real Madrid refuse to sell, despite bid of over £100 million plus bonuses
- Julian Alvarez – the player himself has decided on Barcelona
- Endrick – negotiations are ongoing with Real Madrid
Real Madrid originally paid around £30 million to sign Endrick from Palmeiras as a teenager, but with additional clauses, the total could eventually surpass £50 million. Now it remains to be seen whether Arsenal are willing to match such an amount – and whether Mourinho will actually let his young gem leave Madrid.
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