As Arsenal considers a surprise Douglas Luiz alternative, Edu is’making personal checks’ on a South American star
According to the outlet, the Gunners have been monitoring the 21-year-old’s growth, believing that he has the potential to make the step up and play in the Premier League.
Maia is unlikely to cost as much as some of the other midfielders that Edu and his recruiting staff have been monitoring in recent weeks.
Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz is said to be worth up to £60 million, while alternatives such as Royal Antwerp’s Arthur Vermeeren and Fluminense’s Andre are thought to be worth around £30 million.
TEAMTalk adds that Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips has been examined, with manager Mikel Arteta an admirer of the England international, although the Premier League winners are reluctant to move him to a direct opponent.
What should Arsenal supporters know about Pablo Maia?
Despite his young age, the midfielder has already made 114 senior games for Sao Paulo, making his first-team debut in the Paulista State Championship in January 2022 in a 0-0 tie against Ituano.
Over the previous two years, Maia has swiftly established himself as a regular starter, helping his team reach the Copa Sudamericana final last season and won the Brazilian Cup in September.
Is Maia a viable alternative for Thomas Partey?
The Brazilian plays holding midfield. He’s played a few games as a centre-back, but he’s mostly been entrusted with breaking up play in the centre of the park for Sao Paulo. You won’t be shocked to find that in his senior career, he has received 26 yellow cards and 2 red cards.
Edu is expected to consider Maia as a possible successor for Partey, whose injury record over the last three years has pushed the Gunners to hunt for a replacement.
