Arsenal technical director Edu’s son Luigi Gaspar is set to leave Corinthians for Arsenal, according to reports in Brazil.

Luigi Gaspar (Photo via Instagram / Luigi.Gaspar)
Luigi Gaspar (Photo via Instagram / Luigi.Gaspar)

Meu Timao report that Luigi Gaspar is set to follow his father from Brazil to Arsenal for free, leaving the Corinthians u15s for the North London club’s academy. Corinthians should still profit, making 1% on any future transfers involving the player.

Luigi confirmed his departure on Instagram, writing as part of a long goodbye message:

“Today I am here to inform you I have left S.C. Corinthians, a club where I was raised as a person and as a man, where I spent most of my time in my life, totally dedicated to the club!

“My departure is because of a dream, the thing that I dreamed most and I imagine all the boys who want to be a football player dream, one day go play in Europe!

“I’m only 15 years old, I’m going to realize this dream of mine and it’s an opportunity that I can’t pass up!”

Edu at the Emirates Stadium
Edu at the Emirates Stadium

Edu himself commented on the post, saying: “You’ve grown and matured. Now it’s time to face another challenge head-on … your father is waiting for you … Congratulations on the words of gratitude & appreciation to all who were part of your club history.”

Of course, it’s hard to look past the fact that the main reason Luigi is joining Arsenal (assuming the reports are true) is to be with his father in England.

At the same time, Corinthians are one of Brazil’s top clubs, and the youngster deserves a chance to prove himself in the Gunners’ academy.

Maybe someday Luigi could follow in his father’s footsteps and step onto the pitch for the Arsenal first team, but it’s best to take things step-by-step for now. Let’s see how he adapts to English football at youth level and go from there.