Brazil name Chelsea’s Andrey Santos, 18, in their latest squad but NO space for Arsenal pair
Chelsea star Andrey Santos, 18, is the shock name in Brazil’s new squad after being called up to the senior team as one of nine players without a cap.
Tottenham defender Emerson Royal and Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes are also on the 23-man list.
But Arsenal duo Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli missed out despite playing for the Premier League leaders.
Ramon Menezes, the South American country’s U20s coach, has stepped in temporarily for the senior team following Tite’s retirement after their quarter-final elimination at the 2022 World Cup.
And Menezes has thrown up a few surprises – he’s relied on young and Brazilian-based players rather than big names in an experimental selection.
Santos signed for the Blues for £18million from Vasco da Gama in January after making his professional debut as a 16-year-old.
However, he was loaned back to his former club after failing to obtain a work permit.
Last month he led the U20 team to the South American championship title.
Santos scored one goal in the final against Uruguay to become joint top scorer of the tournament with six goals.
Liverpool’s world-class goalkeeper Alisson is left out with Athletico Paranaense’s 18-year-old Mycael being favored.
Arthur, 19, replaces Danilo, the experienced Juventus right-back.
Zenit St Petersburg centre-back Robert Renan, also 19, is mentioned in front of the likes of Felipe, Gleison Breimer and Gabriel Magalhaes.
In midfield, Andre from Fluminense and Raphael Veiga from Palmeiras, 27, make it in place of an experienced Premier League trio: Manchester United’s Fred, Liverpool defensive midfielder Fabinho and Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes.
At the top, 18-year-old Vitor Roque and Palmeira’s striker Rony, 27, are fighting for a spot.
Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar, Barcelona winger Raphinha, the in-form Martinelli and Reds striker Roberto Firmino are left out.
Santos, Mycael, Arthur, Robert Renan and Vitor Roque have all impressed under Menezes for Brazil’s age group.
Now they have their chance at senior level.
Vitor Roque, once dubbed ‘the new Luis Suarez’, has revealed his ‘dream’ is to join Spanish giants Barcelona, despite attempts by Arsenal boss Edu to get him to north London in a one-shot against the Gunners bring to.
In an interview with Spanish news outlet Sport, the Athletico Paranaense striker was asked if Barcelona were his preferred destination, saying: “Yes, it’s a dream, not just for me but for any player who comes.
“If I go to Barca in the end, it will be a great joy for my family and for me. So I have to keep working hard and hope that everything will come together in time.”