‘I Really Like Arsenal’—Mikel Arteta Sent Transfer Plea by Brazil International

Arsenal are reportedly looking for a new winger this summer.

Mikel Arteta could be looking for a winger. | Vince Mignott/DeFodi Images/DeFodi/Getty Images

Brazil forward Luiz Henrique has unashamedly opened himself up to a move to Arsenal, publicly courting the Gunners and showering the Premier League leaders with praise in a not-so-subtle come-and-get-me plea.

The 25-year-old winger currently plies his trade in Russia with Zenit St. Petersburg but has nevertheless managed to carve out a spot for himself in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad. While Neymar Jr.’s World Cup involvement hangs by a thread, Henrique has appeared in each of the last three international rosters, taking his cap tally to 13.

During the freshly concluded March international break, which saw the substitute create Brazil’s goal in the glitzy friendly with France, Henrique was quizzed about a potential move to one of Europe’s major leagues. There was little hesitation in his selection.

Luiz Henrique has scored two goals for Brazil. | sAndrew Katsampes/ISI Photos/Getty Images

“I really like Arsenal,” Henrique gushed to Flashscore, “the way they play, aggressive. They play a lot on the left and right, so I’m keen to play for Arsenal.

“I've already spoken to Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli, they say the team is excellent, they really like Arteta, they say he’s always listening to the players. God willing, I’d like to have the opportunity to work with him.”

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Would Arsenal Consider Signing Luiz Henrique?

Luiz Henrique is a versatile forward option. | Mike Kireev/NurPhoto/Getty Images

Henrique is a versatile left footer who can operate in every position across the frontline, although he prefers cutting onto his strong side from the right flank. Arsenal already have two of the Premier League’s best left-footed right wingers battling for the same spot, although Henrique could have more joy if he positions himself as a new left winger.

The Gunners could be in the market for a fresh outlet on the left. One of the most intriguing takeaways from The Athletic’s investigation into the soccer world’s opinion of Arsenal came from one analyst of a rival club who argued: “You don’t mind them attacking down their left.” The only danger was conceding a corner which Declan Rice would take.

Leandro Trossard may argue otherwise, boasting five Premier League goals and as many assists this season, yet Martinelli has desperately struggled for consistent domestic form. Henrique’s international teammate has scored just one top-flight goal all term and boasts fewer direct goal contributions than Arsenal’s right back, Jurriën Timber.

Martinelli, ironically, is an example of why Arsenal may be willing to buy someone from Russia’s top flight. The Gunners proved that they are not entirely opposed to shopping in unusual waters by snapping up Martinelli from Brazil’s third tier.

The Russian Premier League is ranked 23rd in the world according to Opta’s statistical database, ensuring that, even in isolation, it is roughly the equivalent of the second tiers of Spain (20th in the world) and Germany (25th). Yet, it’s not as though Henrique is exactly tearing apart this inferior opposition.

The former Real Betis forward boasts three goals and two assists from 20 top-flight appearances this season. Among all regulars in the division, 44 different players have proven to be more routinely prolific than Zenit’s forward.

While there’s little doubt that he may want to arrive at Arsenal, quite why the Premier League leaders would grant that wish is far less obvious.

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