In a significant move for the club's long-term future, Arsenal have agreed a deal in principle to sign highly-rated Ecuadorian twins Edwin and Holger Quintero. The teenage prodigies will make the switch from South American club Independiente Del Valle, with the formal signing set for August 2027 when they both turn 18.
The Path to North London
As first revealed by Daily Mail Sport, Arsenal intensified their interest in the brothers last month. The pair have already travelled to London to complete initial formalities ahead of the official completion of the transfer. This follows a 12-month monitoring period by the Gunners' scouting network, who have tracked the twins' rapid progress.
The Quintero brothers, both 16, have risen through the same age-group teams at their club and have represented Ecuador at youth level. Their performances in prestigious tournaments like the Next Generation and Sudamerica competitions have been particularly eye-catching, attracting attention from several European sides.
Profiles of the Prodigies
Edwin Quintero is described as a rapid and skilful right winger who can also operate in midfield. His style has even prompted comparisons to a young Neymar, highlighting his technical flair and attacking threat. Holger Quintero, while also technically gifted, quick, and adept, prefers a more central attacking role. The twins are known to combine effectively on the pitch, a partnership Arsenal will hope to nurture.
Independiente Del Valle: A Talent Factory
The Quito-based club, Independiente Del Valle, is fast becoming a must-watch academy for Europe's elite. Their model, which gathers and develops young, often disadvantaged players from across Ecuador, has proven remarkably successful. The club has already produced major Premier League stars, including Chelsea's Moises Caicedo and Kendry Paez, plus Arsenal's own Piero Hincapie.
Such is the concentration of talent that scouts from the Premier League and Bundesliga are now regular fixtures at their academy matches. The club also boasts strategic partnerships with European sides Numancia in Spain and Pacos de Ferreira in Portugal to further player development.
This pipeline shows no sign of slowing. Daily Mail Sport previously reported that Chelsea moved ahead of Liverpool to secure 16-year-old centre-back Deinner Ordonez, with a deal confirmed to become official in January 2028. Arsenal's capture of the Quintero twins continues this trend of European giants securing South American talent years in advance.
For Mikel Arteta's project at the Emirates, securing the signatures of Edwin and Holger Quintero represents a strategic, forward-thinking acquisition. It underscores the club's commitment to building a sustainable pipeline of world-class talent, ready to make their mark in North London from the summer of 2027 onwards.
