Arsenal have agreed a deal in principle to sign highly rated twins Edwin and Holger Quintero from Independiente Del Valle.
Daily Mail Sport revealed that Arsenal were stepping up their interest last month and the two brothers have travelled to London to go through formalities before officially signing in August 2027 when they turn 18.
Independiente Dele Valle are proving a rich seam for European clubs keen to mine new football talent.
The Quito-based club, which has spawned Chelsea signings Kendry Paez and Moises Caicedo, plus Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie, has an academy scheme that brings together young and disadvantaged players from across the country.
They are then developed and sold on with Premier League and Bundesliga scouts taking up residency at their academy games. They also have partnerships with Numancia in Spain and Pacos de Ferreira in Portugal.
Daily Mail Sport revealed in September how Chelsea had moved ahead of Liverpool for 16-year-old centre back Deinner Ordonez. Chelsea confirmed last month they have reached agreement to sign him officially in January 2028 once he has turned 18.
The Quintero brothers have moved through the levels in the same age group at 16, and have been monitored by Arsenal scouts for the past 12 months.
Edwin Quintero is a quick and skilful right winger who can also play in midfield and has even drawn comparisons in style to a young Neymar. Holger often works well in tandem with his brother but prefers a more central, attacking role.
Again, he is skilful, quick and technically good. They have been capped by Ecuador at youth level and caught the eye for their club in Next Generation and Sudamerica tournaments.
