Arsenal are reportedly keeping close tabs on Gremio’s 19-year-old Brazilian talent Vanderson, who has a release clause worth €100 million.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Jorge Nicola has claimed that Premier League bigwigs Arsenal are closely following the development of 19-year-old Brazilian defender Vanderson, who plies his trade for Gremio.
Having risen through the youth ranks at the club, Vanderson made his first-team debut for Gremio towards the end of the last year and has since gone on to make 25 senior appearances, scoring three goals and setting up one more. The teenage right-back has been pretty much a regular in the 2021 season for the Brazilian outfit when fit and available, giving an indicator of his immense potential.
Vanderson’s rapid rise over the past six months or so at Gremio has seemingly alerted Arsenal, who are now said to be keeping tabs on the teenage defender. The Gunners are set to dip their toes into the transfer market for a new right-back as Hector Bellerin seems set for an exit this summer. With Cedric Soares not entirely convincing, Mikel Arteta would just be left with Calum Chambers as the solitary option for the position.
To that end, the Gunners have recently been linked with a move for RB Leipzig’s USMNT star Tyler Adams. At the same time, Brighton & Hove Albion youngster Tariq Lamptey has also been mentioned as a potential transfer target for Arteta & co. And now, it seems like Arsenal have also cast their eyes on Vanderson as an option should a move for any of their primary targets not materialise.
Indeed, as claimed by Nicola, Arsenal have already established contact with Vanderson’s agent, Guiliano Bertolucci, to inform him of their interest in the teenage defender. However, the journalist does clarify that there have been no offers made at this stage. However, any move for the 19-year-old could be tricky, considering that he signed a new contract with Gremio recently, extending his stay at the club till 2025.
The new contract also saw his release clause getting doubled from €50 million to €100 million. Although that is not what Vanderson would cost, the clause and the length of the contract do put Gremio in a strong negotiating position should Arsenal or any other club approach them for the 19-year-old. It remains to be seen if the Gunners decide to act on their reported interest in the Brazilian this summer.
