Arsenal were in a strong position to sign Vitor Reis from Palmeiras, but other transfer priorities have allowed Manchester City to close in on a deal for the teenager.
Arsenal have been in the mix for the signing of Palmeiras defender Vitor Reis over the last few months, and James McNicholas reports for The Athletic that the Gunners had put a lot of work into their pursuit.
Indeed, Arsenal reportedly felt they were in a strong position to do a deal, and some at the club believed the move would ‘future-proof’ the defence.
Yet with the north London club’s other priorities in the current window, Manchester City have managed to capitalise and agree a transfer for a fee of up to €40m (£33.7m).
With the recent injuries to Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, and Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal have been forced into focusing on attacking signings in the current window – if they make any additions at all.
And with Jorginho and Thomas Partey running down their Arsenal contracts this summer, the club look set to invest heavily in the signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in the next window.
Adding a £34m move for Reis wasn’t particularly realistic, either now or in six months’ time. So City have landed the player, barring a late twist.
Reis has made 22 senior appearances for Palmeiras, as well as playing a number of games for the Brazil u17s.
Palmeiras narrowly missed out on top spot in the Brazilian Serie A in 2024, so it was an impressive feat that he was starting almost every game by the end of the campaign given his age. Sadly, his development looks set to continue in Manchester.
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