Have Arsenal found the next Neymar? Mikel Arteta's side ramp up interest in Ecuadorian TWINS - with one of them compared to Brazil icon

Arsenal are stepping up interest in highly rated twins Edwin and Holger Quintero from Independiente Del Valle.

The Ecuador talent factory is proving a rich seam for European clubs keen to unearth 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 club scouts taking up residency at their academy games and tournaments. 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 week 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.

Arsenal already have a productive academy but naturally remain attentive to how their rivals are tapping into emerging talents elsewhere. 

The added incentive for players such as the Quinteros, who have interest from Bayer Leverkusen and Sevilla too, is that Mikel Arteta is not afraid to throw youngsters into the first team if they are good enough.