Arsenal hold Endrick talks to test Jose Mourinho’s resolve over Real Madrid wonderkid

Wait 5 sec.

Arsenal have held talks with Real Madrid over a move for Endrick, talkSPORT understands.The 20-year-old Brazilian has attracted interest from multiple clubs this summer after a successful loan spell at Lyon last season. Arsenal have become the latest club to express interest in Endrick this summerGettyNew Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has publicly insisted Endrick is not for sale. However, talkSPORT understands the Gunners are ready to test the club’s resolve, having made an official approach. Arsenal are on the hunt for a forward in the final week of the window.They failed to land Endrick’s teammate Vinicius Jnr, who ultimately decided to agree fresh terms at the Bernabeu. The Gunners remain keen on Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, having recently held talks with a delegation for the LaLiga side in London. Who else wants Endrick? Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Liverpool have both been linked with a move for Endrick this summer, along with Roma. However, the versatile forward is highly-rated by Mourinho. Speaking earlier this week, the Madrid manager said: “He’s a player I like a lot and who has had many contacts from clubs that wanted him on loan or transferred.“I didn’t want to loan or sell him because I like the player, and I’d like to work with this young player who has important talents.”Endrick is currently sidelined with a hamstring problem and did not feature in either of Madrid’s opening LaLiga matches. Mourinho has made it clear he does not want Endrick to leave this summerShutterstock EditorialAlvarez latesttalkSPORT understands Atletico Madrid are ready to accept an offer in excess of £120m for Alvarez.The Argentina star wants to join Barcelona, but Atleti have made it abundantly clear they will not sanction a move to their LaLiga rivals at any price. It puts Arsenal in the box seat – although ex-Manchester City star Alvarez is yet to give the green light on a return to England. The 26-year-old has missed the last two days of training, citing illness, and the Gunners are ready to pounce. A loan deal has also been discussed as Alvarez weighs up his future. Endrick could be a cheaper and younger alternative – although he will still cost a pretty penny. Alvarez has made clear he wants to leave Atletico with Arsenal looking like his only optionGettyMadrid paid £51m to sign him as an 18-year-old in 2022 and talkSPORT has been told they will not sell for less. South American football expert Tim Vickery said: “He hasn’t been a failure at all. “The problem with Real Madrid is he went to a club that didn’t need him – but his numbers even with Real Madrid aren’t bad.“And he did very well on loan with Lyon, so there’s no way that he can be worth less than he was as an 18-year-old when Real Madrid bought him.”