London – Zenit Saint Petersburg winger Luiz Henrique has publicly expressed his admiration for Arsenal and revealed conversations with Gunners players Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli, signaling a potential interest in a move to the Premier League club. The 25-year-classic Brazilian international lauded Arsenal’s aggressive style of play and the managerial approach of Mikel Arteta, adding fuel to transfer speculation as the summer window approaches.
“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,” Henrique told Flashscore, as reported by multiple outlets including Yahoo Sports and Sporting News. The winger, who primarily operates on the right flank, began his professional career with Fluminense in 2020 before joining Zenit in 2024.
The Brazilian’s comments arrive at a time when Arsenal are reportedly prioritizing attacking reinforcements. Arteta is keen to add depth and versatility to his squad, particularly in wide areas, ahead of next season’s challenges in the Premier League and potentially the Champions League. The Gunners finished second in the 2025-26 Premier League season, demonstrating their continued ambition to challenge for the title.
Henrique’s positive assessment of the club wasn’t solely based on observation. He revealed direct conversations with fellow Brazilians Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli, both key players in Arteta’s squad. “I’ve already spoken to Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli, they say the team is excellent, they really like [coach] Arteta, they say he’s always listening to the players,” Henrique stated. “God willing, I’d like to have the opportunity to function with him.”
The potential arrival of Henrique would add another dimension to Arsenal’s attacking options. He’s known for his pace, dribbling ability, and willingness to take on defenders – qualities that could complement the existing attacking talent at the Emirates Stadium. He made 17 appearances for Zenit this season, contributing one goal and three assists, according to reports. While his goal tally isn’t prolific, his impact on matches often extends beyond statistics.
Beyond his admiration for Arsenal, Henrique too spoke highly of his current manager, Carlo Ancelotti, with whom he works on the Brazilian national team. He described Ancelotti as a manager who values player input and fosters a strong team environment. “He’s a guy who doesn’t just look at one player. He’s always talking to all the players, he always wants the players’ opinions. He’s a father to us,” Henrique explained. “He always wants to hear where we like to play, in what position we like to play – that’s important for the group to feel great on the pitch.”
The forward is also focused on securing his place in the Brazilian squad for the upcoming World Cup. He acknowledged the importance of maintaining his form and contributing to Zenit’s success in the Russian Premier League. “I’m really looking forward to it, I realise I’m just one foot away from the World Cup,” he said.
While Henrique currently has a contract with Zenit, his public expression of interest in Arsenal, coupled with positive feedback from current players, suggests a potential move could materialize in the coming transfer window. The reported £31 million valuation, as noted by Football.London, could prove attractive to Arsenal, particularly if they are seeking a versatile attacking option.
For Arsenal fans, Henrique’s comments will undoubtedly be welcomed. The club’s continued pursuit of quality players demonstrates their ambition to compete at the highest level. Whether a deal can be struck with Zenit remains to be seen, but the Brazilian winger has certainly made his intentions clear.
Arsenal’s next fixture is a Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur on May 10th at the Emirates Stadium. The match is crucial for both teams as they battle for Champions League qualification. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:30 PM BST (7:30 AM EDT).
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