Matheuzinho
Arsenal have been tracking Corinthians right-back Matheuzinho since the middle of last year, with fresh reports in Brazil now detailing how long the Premier League club have been following him.
Earlier this week, we covered claims that Arsenal were monitoring the 25-year-old and that Corinthians had already rejected a Gunners offer. Now, Brazilian outlet iG Esporte report that the Gunners’ interest dates back to mid-2025.
According to the story, Arsenal began monitoring Matheuzinho last summer. At that stage, the London club sought information about the player and asked about his transfer fee.
However, iG state that Arsenal have not submitted an official offer so far.
Monitoring dates back to 2025
The key detail here is timing. Arsenal’s interest is not a reaction to a short-term run of form.
Instead, the report claims the scouting process started last year. The Gunners gathered internal information and sounded out Corinthians over possible figures. That suggests groundwork rather than opportunism.
At the same time, the Brazilian side have remained firm. Matheuzinho is under contract until December 2028, and his international release clause stands at €100m (£86.5m).
Internally, Corinthians see him as a cornerstone of manager Dorival Júnior’s system. The right-back has already played 122 matches for the club, scoring five goals and providing seven assists. He also won the Copa do Brasil in 2025, the state championship in 2025 and the Brazilian Supercup in 2026.
Other clubs have moved first
Interestingly, while Arsenal continue to monitor, other clubs have taken more concrete steps.
iG report that another unnamed Premier League side and French club Lille made contact during the last transfer window. Lille even submitted an official proposal, which Corinthians rejected.
That clarification matters. While Arsenal have asked about values, they have yet to formalise interest with an official bid.
For now, this remains a long-term watch rather than an active negotiation. But the fact Arsenal began tracking Matheuzinho as early as mid-2025 indicates sustained interest.
The question now is whether that monitoring eventually turns into a formal move, or whether financial pressure in Brazil forces Corinthians’ hand before Arsenal decide to act.