The 16-year-old Flamengo striker Vinicius Junior has quickly emerged as one of the hottest prospects in world football, with his dazzling performances for the Brazilian side gaining plenty of attention worldwide.

Already compared to his more prominent compatriot – Neymar – the talented forward has gathered plaudits for his displays in a club youth Cup, whereas the heads of a couple of Europe’s powerhouses have also been turned.

According to the reports from the British media, London-based rivals Chelsea and Arsenal have both joined La Liga champions Barcelona in pursuit of the prodigious teenager.

The two clubs from Manchester – United and City – are believed to be monitoring Junior’s progress as well with the Red Devils reportedly failing with a bid for the 16-year-old.

Tipped for stardom, Vinicius Junior could be allowed to leave his club for an arguably premature move to Europe, but Flamengo are holding up for a £26 million release clause on the player and are not willing to negotiate any offers lower than that.

Junior is described as “the complete player” who got the Brazilian football-loving public in excitement over his quick dribbles, accurate passes and fast pace with the ball.

A regular part of Brazil’s youth national set-ups, Vinicius Junior could be fast-tracked into the senior squad in near future, should he continue his meteoric rise.

He is also expected to be involved in Flamengo’s first-team in 2017 following a spell in the U-16s.