Arsenal transfer focus: the promising young Brazilian on trial with Arsenal

At the age of 16 midfielder Matheus Indio Gomes has made a lengthy trip across the Atlantic to go on trial with Arsenal this week. The Vasco de Gama star will stay with the Gunners for seven days in the hope of convincing them to bring him to England on a long term basis in the future. talkSPORT's Talent Spotter has more on the Brazilian...

Name: Matheus 'Indio' Gomes de Cunha
Date of birth: 28/02/1996
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Position: Attacking midfielder
International: Brazil U17 squad member

What's the latest?
Though Indio will go on trial with the Gunners this week, Arsenal are unable to sign him to a permanent deal before he turns 18 in February 2014, something his current club Vasco da Gama are keen to stress. The midfielder admits he wants to turn professional with the Brazilian side, but dreams of playing in Europe one day, so a move to the Emirates in the future is a real possibility if he impresses during his test period.

Did you know?

1) Born in the Pavuna suburb of Rio de Janeiro, Indio comes from a Vasco-supporting family, and began his sporting career when he started playing futsal at the age of four. As a seven-year-old he played a friendly against Vasco's futsal team and impressed, joining their youth academy soon after.

2) At nine years old he was thrust into an age group of players three years his senior. In a story common among many Brazilian players, he continued to play futsal alongside the traditional 11-a-side game, using the indoor game to hone his close control.

3) In 2009 Indio was a key player for the Vasco youth team that won the local state championship ahead of rivals Flamengo, scoring nine goals in the league. The following season he was promoted up an age group, despite being a year younger than his peers. By the end of the year he had yet again established himself as a first pick in the team that would eventually finish second behind Fluminense in their division.

4) Victory in the Carioca (Rio) U15 Championship followed in 2011, in which he scored nine goals. He was soon handed the number 10 shirt for the Brazilian U15 national team, and impressed during the 2011 Mini Copa America in Venezuela, scoring three goals on route to victory with his nation.

5) The midfielder's biggest quality is said to be his ability to break down the opposition via his eye for a pass, dribbling ability and speed. A good finisher on his stronger left foot, he is also a threat from set pieces. His small stature means he is said to suffer when marked individually however. Indio has cited Neymar and Ganso as his idols, and has also confessed his admiration for Arsenal's Theo Walcott.

He says
“I would like to have the chance to turn professional with Vasco, perhaps even this year, who knows? I'm not in a rush however, I know that if I keep working opportunities will come. Spending this week at Arsenal will be nice, I hope to take advantage of it. Of course, I dream of playing for a club in Europe, but everything will come in its own time. It will be a cool experience and I want to learn. I really like Walcott. His style of player is very fast, which I enjoy a lot.” Indio speaking about his Arsenal trial.

Video evidence

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