Exclusive: Chelsea and Arsenal scouts watched £30m gem tipped to be ‘future Brazil captain’ at the weekend

• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

Chelsea have enjoyed a productive start to the new Premier League season under Enzo Maresca’s stewardship.

Chelsea were 2-1 victors against Newcastle United on the weekend and now reside just a point adrift of the top four.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
3	ArsenalArsenal	9	5	3	1	17	10	7	18
4	Aston VillaAston Villa	9	5	3	1	16	11	5	18
5	ChelseaChelsea	9	5	2	2	19	11	8	17
6	BrightonBrighton	9	4	4	1	16	12	4	16
7	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	9	4	4	1	11	7	4	16

Maresca’s men have played a more possession-based style this season and it’s evidently working, though, they do need to tighten up at the back.

To help them achieve that, TBR Football can now reveal that they’re scouting a highly-rated Brazilian defender.

• READ MORE: Chelsea make contact to sign rare £415,000 talent

Chelsea and Arsenal scouted Vitor Reis on the weekend

TBR Football understands that a number of Premier League clubs were in Brazil over the weekend and one game of particular interest was Palmeiras’ clash with Fortaleza in Sao Paulo.

Sources have confirmed that Chelsea were in town as they maintain a watching brief over their future recruit Estevao – who registered from the penalty spot in the 2-2 draw.

We also understand that they were watching central defensive starlet Vitor Reis – who is a player they are huge admirers of.

However, they are not alone in their admiration – Reis has a host of clubs on his trail including Real Madrid, indeed we are told that Arsenal and Liverpool – who have both been on Reis’ trail for much of this year – were also present at the Allianz Parque and it is believed Reis was the main reason for their presence as they continued their checks on him.

We can also reveal that Brighton were at the game, and it is believed they are checking a number of potential targets including striker Jose Lopez.

Vitor Reis tipped to be future Brazil captain

Reis only turned 18 in January but he’s already being tipped to become the future captain of Brazil, as per GOAL.

If Chelsea were to land his signature, he’d likely be in direct competition with Wesley Fofana, so here are how their statistics compare.

Interestingly, Reis trumps Fofana in most stats, though, it must be said the Brazillian league is of course a lower standard than the Premier League.

Either way, the teenager’s numbers are really impressive.