Arsenal have already named Brazilian winger Luiz Henrique his dream destination. Furthermore, the player's current form suggests he may soon be forced to make that conversation more concrete.
Now at Zenit, the 23-year-old is enjoying a strong spell. This has increased his status at both club level and the Brazil national team setup.
In Brazil the attacker has been widely described as the "12th man" for the national team. He can't always start. However, he is consistently involved and reliable to impact the game either from the bench or in the rotation.
This reputation is built on performances that combine output with unpredictability. This season, Luiz Henrique has contributed with 5 goals and 6 assists in his 39 appearances for Zenit. He has maintained the same direct, aggressive style that has distinguished him in Brazil.
Arsenal links and Premier League history
Luiz Henrique's praise for the Gunners is nothing new. In November 2025, he said: “It's been my dream to play in England since I was a kid. There's one team I like very much, that's Arsenal".
His words now sit in the wider Premier League context.
Before they went to Russia, clubs like Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United Everyone was competing for his signature.
At the time, there was a real battle going on in England for a player seen as one of Brazil's most explosive wide options.
That interest has not ended. If anything, his performances since leaving Botafogo have reinforced the idea that he is unlikely to remain at Zenit for the long term. In fact, his Agent confirms he would prefer to move to England When the time comes.
His pace, dribbling and one-on-one strength continue to stand out. Players with that profile attract constant attention from English clubs. Given his age and trajectory, another move seems more than likely a matter of time.
Zenit opened the door and set the price
The situation of Luiz Henrique can now enter the next phase. Report from Brazilian outlet RTI game point out that Zenit is willing to sell the winger in the next transfer window, provided his valuation is met. The Russian club are said to be demanding €40m (£34m) to get a deal approved.
Interest is already emerging from Brazil. Flamengo and Palmeiras are both monitoring the situation and considering a move. However, the financial scale of the operation makes domestic returns difficult. This is true even for clubs with strong resources.
As a result, the Premier League again looks like the most realistic destination if Zenit go ahead with their plans.
what happens next
Luiz Henrique's public stance has been clear. He wants to fulfill his contract, but he also dreams of playing in England. He has openly stated Arsenal as his favorite club.
Now with the price established and interest growing, that path is starting to take shape.
From Arsenal's perspective, this could develop into a compelling opportunity. Luiz Henrique already has the tools to start for most Premier League sides. This is given in view of their output and ability in wide areas.
More specifically, there is a scenario where Arsenal could consider refreshing their attacking options with a profile change in the Brazilian – moving from Gabriel Martinelli to Luiz Henrique.
In current form, this would represent an upgrade in directness and one-on-one impact, which would align well with Mikel Arteta's attacking structure if the club decide to make it work.
