Arsenal make initial approach to sign 25-year-old Brazilian star this summer: Reports
Arsenal have reportedly initiated the first steps to land Lille centre-back Alexsandro. The 25-year-old has been with the Ligue 1 side since arriving from Chaves in the summer of 2022.
In 122 appearances across competitions, Alexsandro has contributed five goals and two assists. One of those goals and both assists came in 47 games across competitions in the recently concluded 2024-25 campaign, including a goal and an assist in 30 games in Ligue 1, where Bruno Genesio's side finished fifth.
Despite being contracted to the Stadio Pierre Mauroy till 2028, the Brazil international has attracted interest from the Gunners. As per UOL (via Metro), Arsenal scouts were at the Neo Quimica Arena in Sao Paulo for Brazil's 1-0 home win over Paraguay in midweek in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The report also mentions that Serie A champions Napoli are also in the fray for Alexsandro's services. Earlier this week, when asked about his Lille future, the player had said:
"It depends on (Lille) president (Olivier) Letang. You’d have to ask him. I am calm and not in any rush to leave. He will decide my future."
While Lille qualified for the UEFA Europa League next season, a move to Arsenal would give Alexsandro UEFA Champions League action.
What has Arsenal target Alexsandro said about Lille coach Bruno Genesio?
Lille defender Alexsandro waxed lyrical about his club boss Bruno Genesio for his development. The former Olympique Lyon midfielder arrived at the Stadio Pierre Mauroy helm last summer, succeeding Paulo Fonseca.
Having enjoyed one of his best seasons at the club under Genesio, Alexsandro was all praise for the coach as he told BeFootball (via Metro) at the end of the 2024-25 season:
"He helps me a lot off the pitch too. We talk a lot together. He tries to understand me. That’s something that helps me a lot on the pitch. He talks to every player, every week. Whether there’s a need or not, he comes and talks with you. If he feels like he sees you a little sad, he also comes and tries to understand what’s going on."
The Arsenal target added:
"I love him very much and I wish him many good things because he deserves it. He has a good heart. He is a great coach. I hope that next year we can work together and that we can, once again, achieve great things."
Alexsandro made his senior Brazil debut this month, helping keep two clean sheets as Carlo Ancelotti's side drew goalless at Ecuador before beating Paraguay at home five days later.