Arsenal are keeping a close eye on Flamengo sensation Matheus Franca
According to Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Premier League giants Arsenal are keeping a close watch on talented Flamengo attacker Matheus Franca.
The 19-year-old is making waves thanks to a string of strong performances for the Brazilian giants. This has attracted the attention of several top European sides including the Gunners.
While the north Londoners are keeping an eye on, they are yet to make any formal contact with the player or the club. There is no formal offer on the table as of yet and it remains to be seen if it will change as the summer wears on.
Primarily a centre-forward, the Brazilian youth international can don an array of roles upfront along the frontline. He is also versatile enough to play as an attacking midfielder, adding yet another dimension to his game.
More on Arsenal and Matheus França links. No proposal, bid or formal talks at this stage — he’s one of the talents now monitored by the club in Brazil, no negotiations. ✨🇧🇷 #AFC
Newcastle had €20m bid turned down by Flamengo in January; there are 3 more clubs now in the race. pic.twitter.com/b2Z6LULHRG
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 29, 2023
Franca has made 51 appearances for Flamengo across all competitions, scoring nine goals in the process. While the strike rate isn’t the best, his ability is unquestionable. A solid finisher, the 19-year-old is good in the air and has excellent dribbling skills. He has a largely well-rounded game that could explode under the right guidance.
The Emirates has turned into a congregation ground for Brazilians of late with Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel all playing a key role in their failed title charge this season. Franca will certainly have company should he move to Arsenal anytime soon.
Shifting from South America to Europe is not the easiest of tasks but Franca can take heart from Martinelli’s journey from an unknown in Brazil to a star at Arsenal. Surely lightning can strike twice for Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal are, however, not the only side aware of the youngster’s potential. Newcastle United failed with a January transfer bid while three more teams have also joined the fray now. The longer the Gunners put off their move, the harder it could get.