Arsenal monitoring Palmeiras prospect Koné, 18, with future move not ruled out | OneFootball

Arsenal are tracking Palmeiras’ Ivorian centre-back Koné, 18, with a future approach not being ruled out. According to Nosso Palestra, the English club have monitored his progress since he was playing in Africa.

Regarded as a major prospect in Ivory Coast, he had already drawn attention from leading European clubs before joining Palmeiras’ academy. He has yet to make his professional debut, but is registered for first-team competitions and is beginning with the under-20s.

Palmeiras have mapped out an ambitious pathway for the defender. Youth chief João Paulo Sampaio, head coach Abel Ferreira and the club’s football department want him integrated fully into the senior squad in the near future.

There is also an expectation that, once promoted, Koné could make a quick impact, attracting sizeable European bids. He is seen as a candidate to become Palmeiras’ next significant sale, in line with the negotiation involving Vitor Reis and Manchester City.

Palmeiras initially paid €350,000 to JEK FC in Ivory Coast to sign him. The club will now pay about €1.1 million for a further 20 percent of his rights, with an additional €1 million in bonuses linked to first-team targets such as appearances.

Source: Nosso Palestra