Future Arsenal star Edwin Quintero has shown exactly why the club were desperate to secure his signature.
The winger, who will join the Premier League champions upon his 18th birthday in August 2027, has sent boss Mikel Arteta a reminder of what is in store.
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The Ecuador U17 star netted just three minutes after coming on for his senior debut for Independiente del Valle in their emphatic 4-0 win over Manta.
Quintero was introduced in the 84th minute and just three minutes later, he had already opened his account for the Ecuadorian club.
A new look
Upon entering the pitch, Quintero was seen sporting an unusual new haircut consisting of the middle section of his hair being shaved down the middle.
The style is seen as a ritual in South American football where shaving a young player’s head is a traditional rite of passage.
Often, when academy prospects make their first-team debuts, senior squad members shave the debutants’ heads to humble them and welcome them into the professional ranks.
Following his successful cameo, Quintero will no doubt be in line for further top-level experience before he jets off to north London next summer.
And he won’t be coming alone as twin brother Holger, a midfielder, is also joining the Gunners next year.
Holger has already left an impression on Arsenal coaches after being named Player of the Tournament in the Liam Brady Cup at Hale End in May.
There is plenty to be optimistic about for Arsenal fans as they prepare to defend their Premier League title next season.
The Gunners ended their 22-year wait for the title and few would bet against them being in the mix once again next May.
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The transfer window has been open for almost three weeks but Arteta is yet to dive head first into the market.
There may be further fine-tuning to be done this summer with Arsenal having shopped lavishly last summer.
Piero Hincapie, who spent last season on loan at the Emirates Stadium, is the only incoming player so far after Arsenal chose to make the deal permanent for £34.5million.
Arsenal are expected to make further signings with Morgan Rogers, Bradley Barcola and Eli Junior Kroupi all linked with moves to the club.
Only Jakub Kiwior has departed so far after FC Porto made his loan switch a permanent one on July 1.
The Gunners kick off the Premier League season on Friday August 21 against promoted Coventry City – live on talkSPORT.
