Premier League giants Arsenal have struck a preliminary agreement to secure the highly-rated Ecuadorian teenage twins, Edwin and Holger Quintero, from South American club Independiente del Valle.
London Calling for Ecuadorian Prodigies
The Quintero brothers have travelled to London to complete formalities ahead of their official move, which is scheduled for August 2027. This date is significant as it coincides with both players turning 18 years old, allowing for an international transfer under FIFA regulations.
This development follows an exclusive report by Daily Mail Sport last month which revealed Arsenal were intensifying their interest in the duo. The Gunners' scouts have been monitoring the twins' progress closely for the past 12 months as they have risen through the age-group ranks together.
Independiente del Valle: South America's Talent Factory
The move further highlights the remarkable production line at Independiente del Valle. The Quito-based club has become a prime hunting ground for European clubs seeking the next generation of football talent. Their renowned academy scouts young and often disadvantaged players from across Ecuador, developing them for future sales.
Recent high-profile exports include midfielder Moisés Caicedo and teenage sensation Kendry Páez (both Chelsea), as well as defender Piero Hincapié (Bayer Leverkusen, formerly linked with Arsenal). The club also maintains partnerships with European sides like Spain's Numancia and Portugal's Pacos de Ferreira to aid player development.
In a similar deal, Chelsea confirmed last month they had beaten Liverpool to a pre-agreement for 16-year-old Independiente del Valle defender Deinner Ordóñez, who will join officially in January 2028.
Profiles of the Promising Twins
The Quintero twins offer Arsenal exciting but distinct attributes. Edwin Quintero is a fast and skilful right winger who can also operate in midfield. His dazzling style has even drawn early comparisons to a young Neymar in some quarters.
His brother, Holger Quintero, often works effectively in tandem with Edwin but prefers a more central and attacking role. He is similarly described as skilful, quick, and technically proficient. Both players have already represented Ecuador at youth international level and impressed scouts at tournaments like the Next Generation and Sudamérica events.
This strategic move by Arsenal underscores the club's long-term planning and its focus on securing the world's most promising young talents before they reach their peak value, continuing a fierce rivalry with other Premier League clubs in the South American market.
