Arsenal target 17-year-old Cruzeiro star Eduardo Pape as Zubimendi's future grows uncertain

Arsenal are monitoring 17-year-old Cruzeiro midfielder Eduardo Pape, according to reports relayed by Sport Witness from ESPN Brasil, with the Brazilian youngster’s potential arrival likely to further squeeze Martin Zubimendi out of the picture at the Emirates Stadium.

Pape has been described by Cruzeiro’s director of youth development, Adilson Batista, as one of the “greatest talents and rising stars” of Brazilian football, drawing comparisons to Manchester City’s Rodri. Batista spoke effusively about the teenager to UmDois Esportes: “He’s intelligent; he anticipates plays. He’s clear-headed and facilitates the entire build-up. He reminds me of Rodri and Falcao, players who really know how to play. He’s been impressing me; I like him a lot. I see a very bright future for his career. He’s a simple, humble, hardworking, and responsible young man.”

Any deal would have to wait until Pape turns 18, but the reported interest underlines how dramatically Zubimendi’s standing has shifted since his promising start to life in north London. The Spanish international was a key figure early in the season before losing his place to academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly during the run-in — a period in which Arsenal claimed the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years.

The summer signing of Bruno Guimarães has pushed Zubimendi even further down the order, with the World Cup winner starting in midfield ahead of him. Zubimendi was reduced to a late substitute appearance against Everton at the weekend — during which he suffered a broken nose — and cut a frustrated figure on the bench during Arsenal’s trip to Munich the week prior. Even Mikel Merino started that Everton fixture ahead of his compatriot.

Newcastle United, Guimarães’ former club, are also said to be tracking Pape, which could yet complicate Arsenal’s pursuit of the youngster.

Manager Mikel Arteta, who recently signed a contract extension keeping him at the club until 2029, appears to be planning with one eye on the long term. Pape is viewed as a player who could eventually be groomed as a successor to Guimarães for both club and country, though the immediate priority will be managing a midfield that has become unexpectedly congested.