Arsenal sees first offer for 18-year-old prodigy rejected as club demands staggering €80m: Reports
Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Palmeiras youngster Luighi. The Premier League giants, however, have had their first offer for the 18-year-old centre-forward rejected by the Brazilian club.
According to Nosso Palmeiras (via Team Talk), the Gunners have approached Palmeiras for Luighi. However, the Brazilian outfit has turned down offers for the young striker. The reports also claim that they have included an €80 million release clause in the player’s contract which runs until 2028.
Palmeiras have recently become a hub for some of the brightest young talents in Brazilian football. In recent seasons, top European clubs have roped in promising talents from the Brazilian side. Players like Endrick and Estevao Willian have secured deals with Real Madrid and Chelsea respectively, and Luighi could be the next big export from the club.
The Brazil U20 star is a product of Palmeiras’ academy. After impressing with the club’s youth side, Luighi was promoted to the first team this term and handed a contract extension of four and a half years.
He has since featured thrice for the first team. His most notable performance was coming off the bench to score the equalizer in a 1-1 draw against Flamengo. Palmerias sees Lughi as a future player at the club and is not ready to sell him at the moment.
Arsenal are not the only top European club who are interested in Luighi, with Southampton also showing interest in the teenage star. Mikel Arteta’s side have played without an out-and-out striker for the past couple of seasons and could be looking to rope in one for the future.
Arsenal interested in signing 18-year-old centre-back from Plameiras
The Gunners are also reported to be interested in Palmeiras teenage centre-back Vitor Reis. The 18-year-old defender is considered one of the best defensive talents in Brazil currently. He has attracted interest from several top European clubs such as Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal.
Reis' qualities in the heart of defense have drawn comparisons to Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Marquinhos. However, the youngster is tied to the club until 2028 and reportedly has a €100 million release clause in his contract.
The Gunners currently have a top-rated Brazilian defender in Gabriell Magalhaes in their ranks. However, it is hugely unlikely that they will be willing to fork out Palmeiras’ asking price to bring Reis to the Emirates in the upcoming transfer windows.