Arsenal, Newcastle United and Bayern Munich are reported to be pursuing Cruzeiro midfielder Eduardo Pape. The 17-year-old has not yet made his senior debut in Brazil, and British clubs cannot complete a deal for him before he turns 18.
Clubs in the race
Arsenal and Newcastle United are preparing to go head-to-head with Bayern Munich in the race to sign Pape. GOAL, citing TEAMtalk, reported that Arsenal and Newcastle United are closely monitoring Pape's progress. Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Villarreal and Monaco have also been credited with an interest in him.
Contract details
Pape is under contract until 2029. Cruzeiro hold the majority of his economic rights, and his deal includes a €100 million release clause for foreign clubs.
Valuation and scouting
GOAL reported that sources indicate Cruzeiro would be willing to sanction Pape's departure for a fee in the region of €40m. No formal bids have been lodged yet for Pape. GOAL reported that Bayern dispatched a scout earlier in October to watch Pape at the UEFA Friendship Cup for Under-18 teams in Switzerland. GOAL reported that Manchester City, Chelsea and Bournemouth had recruitment staff watching Pape at the South American Under-17 Championship earlier in the year.
Premier League restriction
Post-Brexit transfer rules prevent British clubs from signing overseas players under the age of 18, meaning Pape cannot complete a move to the Premier League until the summer window after turning 18 in March 2027.
