Arsenal are preparing an audacious formal offer to sign Endrick from Real Madrid next summer, according to Fichajes.
With 76 points collected from 35 matches, Arsenal sit top of the table, holding a five-point advantage over Manchester City, who still have a game in hand.
While much of the spotlight has fallen on their defensive solidity, Mikel Arteta’s side have also been prolific in attack, scoring 67 goals — the second-highest tally in the Premier League after 35 fixtures.
Up front, Viktor Gyökeres has been particularly effective, especially in the second half of the season, with 14 league goals so far. In contrast, Gabriel Jesus has managed just two, and his ongoing injury issues highlight the need for a more dependable option through the middle, with Endrick now under consideration.
Since joining Lyon on loan in January, the youngster has been in outstanding form, quickly establishing himself as an influential figure by delivering 15 goal contributions in 19 appearances, including 11 in just 14 Ligue 1 matches this season.
Now, according to Fichajes, Arsenal have previously been linked with Julian Alvarez, but Atletico Madrid’s hard stance on keeping the player has led them to turn their attention to Endrick as an alternative target.
Endrick to Arsenal
It appears the North London club are accelerating efforts to complete the deal, as the report adds that the Premier League leaders are preparing to submit an audacious £86m formal offer for the Brazilian’s potential transfer to the Emirates Stadium in the summer.
With Jesus expected to depart, the Gunners’ boss, Mikel Arteta, is looking for a prolific forward to compete with Gyökeres and sees the 19-year-old’s strength and instinct in front of goal as a perfect fit for his attack, according to the report.
The Spanish outlet adds that Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, has been closely monitoring Endrick and is set to make a formal move when he returns to Madrid after his ongoing loan spell with Lyon.
The Brazilian international was crucial to Lyon’s 4-2 win over Rennes in Ligue 1 on Sunday, lifting them to third place.
He won the penalty that led to Les Gones’ second goal before putting the game to bed in the 75th minute by netting the fourth goal for Paulo Fonseca’s side.
Although some parts of his game are still raw, playing under Arteta’s tutelage could help refine his skill set into a more threatening attacking force, should Madrid accept Arsenal’s formal £86m offer.