Arsenal interest results in €100m clause – Gunners won't walk away

Santos tied down 16-year-old Argentine striker Pereira to a professional deal through 2029 with a €100m release clause, weeks after Arsenal and other European clubs showed interest.

Arsenal have been monitoring Ignacio Pereira, a 16-year-old Argentine striker at Santos. The Brazilian club has now secured the youngster on his first professional contract, running until December 2029 and featuring a €100m release clause.

The deal was signed on Wednesday and announced by Santos, though it awaits registration with the Brazilian Football Confederation. Pereira, known as Nacho, expressed his delight: "I'm very happy to have signed my first professional contract. I've been here for three years, since the U13s, and I hope to achieve my biggest goals, which are playing for Santos' first team and the Argentina national team."

Last month, reports linked Pereira to Arsenal alongside Real Betis, Milan, Lille, Standard Liège and Zenit. One unnamed major European club reportedly made an approach through his representatives while they were handling other transfers in Europe. Santos moved quickly to protect their prospect, upgrading from a youth contract expiring in February 2027. The €100m clause provides the club significant protection in negotiations, though it may not reflect their actual asking price.

Pereira, who turned 16 in February, has impressed in youth competitions with ten goals in 26 games at U17 level this season. Santos coaches describe a mobile centre-forward who can drop deep and operate as a second striker, drawing comparisons to Julián Álvarez.