Russian league star Luiz Henrique has recently fuelled buzz about a future move to Arsenal. The player has shown his deep admiration for the club. This news comes as the north London side looks into their options for attacking additions next season.
The Public Plea Of Luiz Henrique For Arsenal
He admitted, “I really like Arsenal, the way they play, aggressive. They play a lot on the left and right, so I’m keen to play for Arsenal.”
Moreover, he has already made contact with current players to learn more about the environment. He shared conversations with Gabriel Magalhaes and Martinelli. These teammates provided highly positive feedback about the club and the manager.
He pointed out that the squad values the leadership style of Mikel Arteta because he actively listens to his players. He showed a strong desire to play under Arteta’s guidance: “God willing, I’d like to have the opportunity to work with him.” The forward feels a move to the Premier League would fulfill a major career dream.
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The Player Profile Of Luiz Henrique
The 25-year-old winger has built up a great reputation over the last two years. He first rose through the ranks at Fluminense before a stint in Spain with Real Betis. However, his return to Brazil with Botafogo in 2024 proved to be a turning point. He arrived on the Brazilian side at a cost of 106.6 million reals. It was the most expensive signing in Brazilian football at the time.
He played a key role in Botafogo winning both the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Serie A during a stellar campaign. These feats earned him the South American Footballer of the Year award in 2024. He later made a €33 million move to Zenit Saint Petersburg in January 2025.
He stands at 1.82 metres. His height and strength make him a real threat in the air. Stats from Fotmob show that he wins 87% of his aerial duels compared to other attacking midfielders/wingers, which is exceptional.
Henrique is a versatile, left-footed forward. He mainly plays on the right wing but can play across the front line. He also thrives in one-on-one situations with a direct, fearless attacking style. The player is also comfortable in wide areas. That suits Mikel Arteta’s system, where wingers are expected to stretch the pitch.
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Transfer dynamics for Arsenal
A move for Luiz Henrique would not be straightforward. Zenit Saint Petersburg are said to value him between €40 million and €50 million. The winger currently has a contract that runs until 2028, providing the Russian side with leverage. Meanwhile, other clubs such as Flamengo and Palmeiras are also monitoring his situation closely. Newcastle have also shown interest in his development.
However, the North London side must evaluate if they truly need another right-sided attacker. They already have Bukayo Saka as the primary choice in that role. Also, the squad already has young talents such as Noni Madueke and Max Dowman.
Some critics point out that his recent form has been modest. Only three goals in twenty games this term in the Russian league, which is basically the Spanish 2nd division equivalent. These numbers won’t justify a €40 million price tag when there are great young talents already available at the academy.
At 25 years of age, he is already older than academy talents Max Dowman or Ethan Nwaneri. This raises further questions about whether he represents long-term value for the club. However, his desire to move to England remains strong as he gets ready for the next World Cup.
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