Report: Arsenal preparing bid for £57m South American defender wanted by Real Madrid

https://cdn1.tbrfootball.com/uploads/27/2024/10/GettyImages-2175979327-1024x670.jpg

Arsenal have had some success in the South American markets in recent times and it looks like they could be about to move into that territory again.

The Gunners have picked up bargains like Gabriel Martinelli by attacking the South American market while they’ve had huge success by signing Brazilians like Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Jesus in recent seasons as well.

Edu, of course, has strong links back to his homeland and when it comes to the top young players in South America, Arsenal are never too far away.

Of course, another club who have picked up a number of hot prospects from South America is Chelsea.

And now, it looks like Arsenal and Chelsea could battle it out for another Brazilian wonderkid.

Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

Arsenal and Chelsea prepared to bid for Joao Pedro Chermont

According to a report from CaughtOffside, Arsenal and Chelsea are among a number of teams looking at signing the Chermont.

Still only 18, Chermont could be allowed to leave Santos after they dropped out of the top tier of Brazilian football.

The young right-back has a release clause of around £57m and is wanted by both Real Madrid and Barcelona as well.

However, Santos could be prepared to sell him for less than that to alleviate their financial issues following that relegation.

Race for the top youngsters is hotter than ever

There has been a boom in recent times of Premier League teams looking to get ahead of the curve and sign the best young players around.

Chelsea base their entire recruitment strategy on it and they’ve already moved on the South American market to sign the likes Andrey Santos and the highly-rated Estevao Willian.

With Chermont, it looks very much being a case of who can get there first and tempt him.

Of course, the fanfare won’t be the same given he is a right-back and not an attacker full of flair.

But nevertheless, this is clearly a player who has caught the eye and Arsenal are right in the mix.

×