Arsenal and Liverpool step up interest in signing Real Madrid target with £84m release clause: Reports
Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Brazilian youngster Vitor Reis. The 18-year-old defender is also being targeted by Real Madrid.
Reis plies his trade for Palmeiras and is one of the highest-rated talents in the Brazilian top flight. Promoted to the first team at the start of the season, he has already established himself as a regular.
The youngster is eager to move to Europe and play in the UEFA Champions League, and his performances have caught the attention of top European clubs. Arsenal under Mikel Arteta have developed into a solid defensive side, and having a player like Reis would further bolster their defensive unit.
Liverpool are looking for a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk who is nearing the twilight of his career and has his contract expiring next summer. Meanwhile, Real Madrid are also eager to strengthen their centre-back options and a young talent like Reis could be a perfect fit.
According to Football Insider (via Caught Offside), Reis has a £84 million release clause in his contract which runs until December 2028. However, for a player with no European experience, it is difficult to see any of the aforementioned clubs matching his club’s asking price.
Real Madrid prioritize signing of new centre-back
According to Football Espana (via TEAMtalk), Real Madrid have made the signing of a centre-back a priority in 2025. The Spanish giants will look to bolster their defensive unit with at least one centre-back either in January or next summer.
Los Blancos tried to land Leny Yoro last summer, but the French defender opted to sign for Manchester United instead. Nacho Fernandez moved to Saudi Arabia, leaving Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Eder Militao as the natural center-backs in Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Both Rudiger and Alaba are over 30, and the latter is currently sidelined with an ACL injury, hence the need to rope in a younger defender. As per the report, Real Madrid have their eyes on Arsenal’s William Saliba, Tottenham’s Cristian Romero, and Bayern Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah.