Arsenal prepare bid for 17-year-old Brazilian midfielder – report
Arsenal are interested in a deal to sign Flamengo playmaker Reinier Jesus, according to a report
Arsenal are preparing a bid for promising Flamengo midfielder Reinier Jesus, according to a report in Italy.
Italian media outlet Tuttomercatoweb, as quoted by talkSPORT, is reporting that Arsenal are interested in the Brazilian teenager as a potential signing this summer.
The same article states that Arsenal manager Unai Emery is eager to bring him to The Emirates despite their limited transfer funds for this summer’s transfer window.
According to the same story, the 17-year-old has a £60m contract release clause in his current deal with Flamengo, although Arsenal are unlikely to be able to afford such a lavish fee.
The report goes on to say that Arsenal have a mere £40m to spend on new signings this summer, which could complicate Emery’s pursuit of the teenager, who has been dubbed ‘the next Kaka’.
Reinier signed a new contract with Flamengo in 2018 that will run until the end of 2020.
The reported Arsenal target has scored five times in nine appearances for the Brazil Under-17 side.
The Gunners signed French youngster Matteo Guendouzi last summer and the 20-year-old was given the chance to establish himself as a key part of Emery’s team.
Arsenal finished in fifth place in the Premier League table to miss out on a Champions League spot last term before the Gunners suffered a 4-1 loss to Chelsea FC in the Europa League final.
