Real Madrid will reportedly have to battle it out with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City in the race to sign Brazilian wonderkid Gabriel Veron.
According to a report from Spanish publication Todo Fichajes, reigning La Liga champions Real Madrid are set to go head to head with Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester City for the signing of Palmeiras teenage sensation Gabriel Veron.
The 18-year-old came through the youth ranks at the Brazilian outfit before breaking into the first-team earlier this year and has swiftly carved out quite the reputation for himself. In 24 appearances this term, Veron has racked up eight goals and three assists, with his performances in the Copa Libertadores particularly catching the eye of the onlookers.
Prior to him bursting out at club level, Veron had already put scouts from across the world on high-alert after his exploits in the 2019 FIFA Under-17 World Cup. The winger registered three goals and three assists leading Brazil to the trophy and was also awarded the Golden Ball for the tournament.
Veron’s rise to prominence over the past year or so hasn’t gone unnoticed with Real Madrid taking a keen interest in the teenager. Ever since they were beaten to the signing of Neymar, Real Madrid have been proactive in their pursuit of young gems from the Brazilian footballing scenes.
The Merengues have recruited and successfully integrated the likes of Carlos Vinicius and Rodrygo Goes into their first-team setup, while Reinier Jesus was also brought in from Brazil not very long ago. Veron, who has been compared to Neymar back in his homeland, is now the latest South American sensation to have propped on their radars.
However, they will have to battle with Arsenal, who had registered an interest in him back in the summer itself. The Gunners have been increasing their presence in the Brazilian market ever since Edu became the sporting director, having recruited the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Pablo Mari in recent windows.
Given that Mikel Arteta has shown the propensity to push young players through, Arsenal’s interest in a special talent like Veron makes sense. In addition to Real Madrid and Arsenal, Manchester City are also eyeing a swoop for the 18-year-old attacker.
The Cityzens have already raided Palmeiras for one of their top prospects in Gabriel Jesus a few years ago. Considering how the centre-forward has developed during his time at the Etihad, Pep Guardiola’s men could be lining up a move for Veron, in hope that he, too, will follow a similar trajectory.
Apart from the three clubs mentioned, the likes of Juventus and AC Milan are also monitoring the 18-year-old, having received positive feedback from their scouts.
Veron is currently valued at €25 million but, as per the report, his price-tag could shoot up to €35-€40 million should any of the big clubs come calling. However, it is also claimed that Real Madrid would be unwilling to meet those demands to land the teenager. It will be interesting to see if Los Blancos or any of the other clubs make a move for the winger.