Arsenal is reportedly planning a significant £83 million bid to sign Brazilian defender Vitor Reis during the January transfer window. The Gunners aim to outmaneuver rivals like Real Madrid and Tottenham to acquire the 18-year-old talent.
Following a summer of strategic investments, where Arsenal spent £90 million to strengthen their squad with players like Riccardo Calafiori for £42 million and David Raya for £30 million, Mikel Arteta is now focusing on Reis to enhance the defense.
Although Reis has an £83 million release clause, Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu, may attempt to negotiate a deal around £29 million for the promising player.
Reis has made an impression in Brazil’s top league, featuring in 11 matches for Palmeiras and gaining recognition in Brazil’s youth teams. Primarily a center-back, he also has the versatility to play various defensive positions, making him a valuable asset for Arteta’s team.
Palmeiras’ academy head, Joao Paulo Sampaio, recently indicated that the club rejected prior offers for Reis, suggesting he could become the most expensive Brazilian defender in history, especially with a potential sale after the 2025 Club World Cup.
With competition intensifying from Real Madrid, Arsenal will aim to act quickly in January to secure the highly-rated defender before their European rivals can intervene.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will pay the full £83 million release clause or negotiate a lower price, but Reis’s talent has attracted attention from top clubs, and his future may be resolved soon.
