Agent confirms January move for striker pursued by Arsenal
The representative of Santos forward Marcos Leonardo has affirmed that the Brazilian will be transferring to a new club “this winter,” with reports suggesting that Manchester United, Arsenal, Newcastle, and West Ham are all potential destinations.
At the age of 20, Leonardo currently plays for the Brazilian team Santos and has already accumulated an impressive number of appearances.
Despite his youth, Leonardo has participated in 164 matches for Santos, scoring 54 goals and providing 11 assists.
In his recent season in Brazil, Leonardo had a standout performance, scoring 21 goals in 45 matches, maintaining a goal ratio just below one goal per two games.
Leonardo has also made a strong impression while playing for Brazil’s Under-20s, scoring 15 goals in just 13 appearances.
Several European teams, including Real Madrid, Roma, and Sevilla, have shown interest in Leonardo, along with clubs from the Premier League.
Roma reportedly made three bids for the striker during the summer, with the largest bid reaching just over €20 million.
Despite the interest from various clubs, Leonardo had previously agreed, according to his agent Rafaela Pimenta, to stay with Santos until the conclusion of the Brazilian domestic season.
“Already in the previous transfer market he had the possibility of being sold, but Santos’ sporting situation was very particular,” said Pimenta (as quoted by The Evening Standard).
“He agreed to stay because he wanted to help out until the end of the championship. He didn’t want to leave because it wasn’t the right thing to do.”
As the Brazilian season is set to conclude in early December, the possibility of a January transfer is becoming increasingly likely for Santos striker Marcos Leonardo.
Leonardo on the move in January… but where?
Newcastle and West Ham have officially expressed their interest in the Brazilian striker. The situation at West Ham may have intensified following reports from The Independent indicating that Michail Antonio sustained a knee injury while on international duty with Jamaica, potentially increasing their need for a new frontman.
Newcastle has faced its share of injury challenges, with key strikers Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak sidelined before the international break. The club has also demonstrated a willingness to invest in promising young talents with substantial price tags, exemplified by signings like Tino Livramento (£40m) and Lewis Hall (loan with an obligation to buy at £28m plus £7m in add-ons).
Manchester United and Arsenal are also reportedly in contention, as suggested by The Standard. Leonardo’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, has indicated that a move is imminent, stating, “But the time has come to move. He wants to have a European experience, and his time will come this winter.”
According to information from Fabrizio Romano, Santos is expected to demand approximately £17.5m, along with significant add-ons, before agreeing to let Leonardo depart.
The destination for Leonardo remains uncertain at this point, with multiple clubs in the running for his signature.
Agent confirms January move for striker pursued by Arsenal