Report: Arsenal set to rival Real Madrid for 'one of the best' youngsters in Brazil

Arsenal’s recruiment has been exceptional since Mikel Arteta joined the club in December 2019.

Rarely do The Gunners misfire on a signing with Martin Odegaard and William Saliba shining examples of their terrific recruitment in recent years.

Over the summer, Arsenal added three top-level players to their ranks in Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino and Raheem Sterling, who completed a deadline-day move from Chelsea.

Though, they perhaps could’ve been a bit busier, so there’s expected to be movement in North London this Janaury transfer window.

With that said, it has just come to light that Arsenal are keeping tabs on a young Brazilian talent.

• READ MORE: Arsenal and Chelsea are keeping close tabs on Argentina youngster who’s ‘amazed the world’

Arsenal interested in Vitor Reis

According to GiveMeSport, Arsenal’s sporting director Edu Gaspar is personally leading the charge to sign Palmeiras centre-back Vitor Reis.

The Gunners face stiff competition from La Liga giants Real Madrid and Premier League rivals Chelsea, who are both keeping close tabs on Reis.

The 18-year-old, who is considered ‘one of the best’ young talents in Brazil as per Transfermarkt, has no shortage of suitors and it’s ‘inevitable’ that he will depart for Europe.

It’s understood Edu has been a long admirer of Reis, however, interest hasn’t yet been formalised.

Vitor Reis profile

Reis predominantly plies his trade as a centre-back but he can also operate as a right-back, evincing his terrific versatility – a trait Arteta is a big fan of.

The 2006-born is a Brazil youth international and has collected eight caps for the under-17s since making his debut in March 2023.

According to FBref data, Reis ranks in the top 11 per cent for pass completion per 90 compared to his positional peers across South America and beyond, amplifying his proficiency in possession.

Further, he also sits in the top eight per cent for aeriel duels won.