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Brazil attacker Luiz Henrique has made no secret of his desire to join Arsenal, openly declaring his admiration for the Premier League table-toppers in what amounts to a very transparent transfer request.
The 25-year-old winger currently plays his football in Russia with Zenit St. Petersburg, yet has still managed to earn a regular place in Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil setup. With Neymar Jr.'s World Cup future remaining deeply uncertain, Henrique has featured in each of the past three international squads, bringing his total caps to 13.
During the recently wrapped-up March international window, in which the impact substitute set up Brazil's goal in the high-profile friendly against France, Henrique was asked about a potential switch to one of Europe's elite leagues. His answer came without much deliberation.
"I really love Arsenal," Henrique enthused to Flashscore, "the way they play, pressing and intense. They attack a lot down both flanks, so I'm very eager to play for Arsenal.
"I've already had conversations with Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli, and they say the squad is fantastic, that they really appreciate Arteta, and that he's always attentive to his players. God willing, I'd love the chance to work under him."
Would Arsenal Consider Signing Luiz Henrique?
Henrique is a flexible left-footed player capable of filling any role across the attacking line, though he is most comfortable cutting inside onto his stronger foot from the right wing. Arsenal already possess two of the Premier League's finest left-footed right wingers competing for that same position, though Henrique might find more opportunity if he presents himself as an option on the left flank instead.
The Gunners could be looking to add a new dimension on the left side. One of the more notable findings from The Athletic's deep dive into the football world's assessment of Arsenal came from an analyst at a rival club, who noted: "You don't mind them attacking down their left." The only real threat was giving away a corner for Declan Rice to deliver.
Leandro Trossard might take issue with that assessment, having contributed five Premier League goals and five assists this campaign, yet Martinelli has badly lacked consistency in domestic football. Henrique's international colleague has managed just a single top-flight goal all season and has fewer direct goal contributions than right back Jurriën Timber.
Martinelli, somewhat ironically, serves as a precedent for why Arsenal might be open to recruiting from Russia's top division. The Gunners demonstrated a willingness to look beyond conventional markets when they signed Martinelli from Brazil's third tier.
The Russian Premier League sits 23rd globally according to Opta's statistical rankings, placing it roughly on par with the second divisions of Spain (20th) and Germany (25th). Even so, Henrique is hardly dominating against this lower-calibre competition.
The former Real Betis forward has contributed three goals and two assists across 20 league appearances this season. Among all regular players in the division, 44 others have demonstrated greater scoring consistency than the Zenit forward.
While there is little question that Henrique is keen on a move to Arsenal, the reasoning behind why the Premier League leaders would actually pursue him remains far from clear.