Arsenal and Nottingham Forest are part of the group of clubs looking to bring Palmeiras youngster Luis Benedetti to Europe.
AS report that the Premier League duo are in the mix for the 19-year-old, who has suitors across Europe at this point.
Arsenal and Nottingham Forest interest
The newspaper explains that the centre-back’s ‘meteoric’ rise has clubs lining up, as they were for Vitor Reis two years ago. He eventually joined Manchester City.
A move to Europe now appears ‘all but certain’. According to AS, Como are tracking him closely. Cesc Fabregas is scouring the marker for a replacement for Jacobo Ramón, who seems destined to return to Real Madrid.
But the race for his signature will not be an easy one. Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Napoli and Barcelona have ‘expressed interest’ in the youngster. Some have even gone as far as to submit formal offers.
Palmeiras protect themselves
Palmeiras are more than aware of the interest. They recently renewed Luis Benedetti’s contract to December 2029.
Their stance is crystal clear; his release clause is set at clause is set at €25m. They consider the diamond as a diamond in the rough and have no intention of letting him go cheaply.
€25m is not an insurmountable figure for Premier League side’s like Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, though. They’ve certainly paid more than that on youngster’s in the past.
Reports have linked both sides with an interest in months. Sport Witness reported on Arsenal’s interest last summer, while Nottingham Forest joined the race in October. It seems their interest has not gone away.
Indeed, as far as AS are concerned, they will provide stiff competition for Benedetti in the coming months.
Whether either side advances their interest to a firm bid, remains to be seen. But at €25m, it may be a risk that they consider worth taking for a rising Brazilian talent.