Arsenal make late attempt to sign Liverpool and Man City-linked midfielder; player set to snub Premier League move: Reports

Arsenal have reportedly made a late move to sign Liverpool and Manchester City target Isaque Silva. The 18-year-old Brazilian midfielder could leave Fluminense this summer, but is reportedly not on his way to the Premier League.

According to a report in RTI Esporte (via Sport Witness), Silva is keen on joining Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk. He has snubbed interest from the Premier League trio and is set to travel for his medical with Shakhtar on Tuesday, August 26.

Shakhtar Donetsk have agreed on a €10 million deal with Fluminense, with an additional €2 million in add-ons. The Brazilian side also have a 10% sell-on clause in his contract after the player's entourage cut their stake in his image rights.

Arsenal made a €12 million move to sign the midfielder, but he was keen on moving to Ukraine to continue his development. The teenager has played just 11 matches for Fluminense's first team in Brazil, but has caught the eye of the scouts who were determined to finalize the deal.

Isaque Silva was in Fluminense's squad for the FIFA Club World Cup but only made the bench in the semifinal against Chelsea. He did not play a single minute at the tournament, and has played mostly in the Campeonato Carioca and CBF Brasileiro U20 this season.

Arsenal are looking to sell Fabio Silva this summer, and saw the teenager as the ideal player to add with the future in mind. The Brazilian plays in an attacking role and would have been the backup to Martin Ødegaard, competing with Ethan Nwaneri.

Arsenal highly active in transfer market with Andrea Berta

Arsenal appointed Andrea Berta as the club's new sporting director this year, and the Gunners have done well in the market. Manager Mikel Arteta spoke about Berta's appointment, claiming that the move would enable them to bring in the best players swiftly. He said (via GOAL):

"I think it's a big addition to the club, a big addition to the team. A team that is already formed with a lot of great people. Richard [Garlick] leading it, obviously. But as well with James [King], with Jason [Ayto], with a lot of people at the club that have been doing such good work. So it's about building out that chemistry. And I believe Josh [Kroenke] has been fully involved in the process as well. So we are all very excited to have him. You just met him, and straight away the words that come out are always winning, improving and demanding.

"And he's a person who is very honest, very straightforward, with a very clear vision of what he wants to do. He was so willing to join us, which is a very positive thing as well because he had many other possibilities, and he's chosen to come to us. And now it's about us giving him the support and the understanding of the situation and context straight away. And for him to start to do what he's already done for many, many years at the highest level, which has been very impressive."

Arsenal have signed Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and Eberechi Eze for the midfield, while Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres have been added to their attack. They have also brought in goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, with Cristhian Mosquera being the lone addition in defense.