Arsenal, under the guidance of their new talent scout Paulo Xavier, has set their sights on FC Porto’s Brazilian striker Evanilson as a priority target for the 2024/25 season.

FC Porto's Brazilian forward #30 Evanilson Barbosa celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Portuguese league football match between FC Porto and Casa Pia AC at the Dragao stadium in Porto on December 9, 2023. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)
FC Porto’s Brazilian forward #30 Evanilson Barbosa celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Portuguese league football match between FC Porto and Casa Pia AC at the Dragao stadium in Porto on December 9, 2023. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal reportedly has their eyes firmly set on Evanilson, the Brazilian striker currently shining at Porto. The club, grappling with the need for a regularly-firing forward, sees the prolific Porto player as a potential solution according to a report from Portugal.

Paulo Xavier, Arsenal’s newly appointed talent scout, has pinpointed Evanilson as a key target for the 2024/25 season, with Jornal de Noticias writing that he has indicated the 24-year-old is a ‘priority’.

Arsenal watch out for Evanilson's goals and displays Forward named as priority for next season by the " gunners”, rivals of the Dragons in the Champions League Jornal de Notícias23 Jan 2024 Brazilian striker is very close to surpassing career best numbers With 16 goals and four assists in 23 games this season, Evanilson is living the “best moment of his career” and the numbers arouse the greed of several European Sharks. The most recent interested is Arsenal, opponent of the Dragons in the round of 16 of the Champions League, with the Londoners seeing in the Brazilian forward the solution to the goal crisis, although they do not intend to move for the contract already in this winter market. According to the English press, Arsenal's new talent scout Paulo Xavier has indicated Evanilson's name as a priority for 2024/25. With Gabriel Jesus, Martinelli and Nketiah all going through a goal drought – the trio of forwards have a total of 19 goals scored in all competitions – the Brazilian from F. C. Porto is seen as a good solution for Mikel Arteta's team. With contract
Jornal de Noticias 23 January 2024

Evanilson‘s impressive performance this season, with 16 goals and five assists in 23 games, marks a career-high and highlights his exceptional talent.

Described as being in the “best moment of his career,” his skills have attracted attention from several top European clubs, with Arsenal now leading the chase.

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Despite the strong interest, Arsenal does not plan to pursue a deal in the current winter transfer window.

The club’s focus remains on strengthening their attacking options in the summer, and Evanilson seems to be one player they are seriously considering.

Evanilson is under contract until 2027 and is valued at around €25m after signing from Tombense in Brazil in 2020 for €8.8m.

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