Matheuzinho
Arsenal are the first Premier League side to be publicly linked with Corinthians right-back Matheuzinho, after months of Brazilian reports claiming English clubs were tracking him.
Until now, no specific team had been named. That has changed, and Arsenal are said to have had an offer rejected.
According to Brazilian outlet RTI Esporte, Arsenal have been monitoring the 25-year-old since last season. The report states Corinthians have already rejected two proposals for the defender, including one from the Premier League – and one of the interested clubs is Arsenal.
The Gunners’ interest comes as Matheuzinho continues to establish himself as a key figure under manager Dorival Júnior. Internally, the right-back is considered untouchable at this stage of the season.
What Corinthians are pushing for
Matheuzinho is under contract at Corinthians until December 2028. Despite receiving approaches that would have significantly increased his salary abroad, the player has shown no desire to leave at this moment.
Corinthians signed him permanently in 2024 from Flamengo for €4m (£3.4m) and own 60% of his economic rights. His release clause is set at €100m (£86.5m) for clubs outside Brazil. Domestically, the clause stands at €50m (£43.3m).
Inside the club, the stance is clear. Any negotiation would only be discussed at figures close to the international clause. That feels unrealistic.
Corinthians’ executive director Marcelo Paz believes this is not the right time to sell. With a packed schedule and the Copa Libertadores a priority, keeping Matheuzinho has become an internal objective.
In addition, the board plan to hold talks over a salary adjustment to further reinforce the sporting project and fend off short-term interest.
How Arsenal can build an opportunity
However, the situation is not entirely straightforward. RTI Esporte also report that Corinthians’ financial difficulties could force sales in the next transfer window.
Marcelo Paz has admitted the club may need to negotiate players mid-year to balance the books. As a result, established starters are attracting European attention.
Matheuzinho fits that profile. He has played 12 matches in the 2026 season so far and registered one assist. More importantly, he is viewed as one of the squad’s leaders and a consistent presence on the right flank.
Dorival Júnior has reportedly asked the board to keep him. The coach sees him as essential to his system and has been working behind the scenes to block a departure.
For Arsenal, this is now a named target rather than vague background noise. The question is whether they test Corinthians’ resolve, as his €100m (£86.5m) clause is unrealistic for a player of his level and reputation. If the Brazilian club needs to sell, lowballing might be a strategic path.
Either way, after months of anonymous Premier League interest, the first badge attached to Matheuzinho is Arsenal’s.