Arthur rejected Saudi bid, broke into Palmeiras XI, praised by Abel Ferreira | OneFootball

Arthur rejected a Saudi offer to pursue a first-team career at Palmeiras and has since broken into Abel Ferreira’s starting XI. His place is now uncertain after he was diagnosed with an oedema on Friday, which could rule him out against Remo on Sunday.

According to Globo.com, he received an approach from Neom before the Copa São Paulo and turned it down late last year as he approached the age limit for the youth ranks. Four months on, he has met his goal and earned a starting role.

Abel Ferreira said the youngster has been a pleasant surprise, speaking after last Tuesday’s win over Sporting Cristal in the Conmebol Libertadores.

Arthur joined Palmeiras in 2017, entering the under-11s as a forward before being moved to left-back. He described himself as slight and short at the time and had to rework his game to keep progressing.

He was promoted after the Copa São Paulo with little expectation of minutes, third choice on the left. Injuries to Piquerez and Jefté, three months later, opened the door.

In the Brasileiro he averages one tackle and 22.8 completed passes per match, plus three passes leading to shots. In the Libertadores he has four appearances and four efforts from outside the area, the most in the squad.

Source: Globo.com