Arsenal is once again linked with a right-back after failing to lure any during the January transfer window. They see Shakhtar Donetsk’s full-back Dodô as a capable competitor for the right-back position alongside summer signing and fan-favourite Takehiro Tomiyasu.
According to UOL in Brazil, the 23-year-old is ‘constantly sought after by the Gunners.
Shakhtar is said to be demanding at least €20m for the sale of the Brazilian.
Although the right-back has been the target of several clubs from Europe and Brazil, the player is yet to decide on his future. The Ukrainian side has been open to letting some of their players leave the club as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war, which has seen both Maycon and Tete joining Corinthians and Lyon on loan respectively.
German club Bayern Munich tabled a failed offer for him last year despite him being wanted at the Allianz Arena. North London side Tottenham have also had a bid rejected for him in the summer before signing former Barcelona right-back Emerson Royal, while Serie A giants Inter Milan registered an interest in the Brazilian before signing Denzel Dumfries from PSV.
Real Madrid is one of the latest admirers of Dodo and they are keen on strengthening their right-back options ahead of the 2022/23 season following Dani Carvajal’s abysmal performance against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League tie.
Considering several failed attempts to lure him away from Shakhtar, he was asked in an interview whether he would consider a move to Real Madrid, Dodo told the Pledge Times: “It is one of the biggest clubs in the world and I am sure that all athletes dream of one day playing for Real Madrid. I am happy at Shakhtar and I plan to have a great season at the club. I think you have to think about doing the present well to plan for the future.”
Thus far this season, Dodo has already amassed four assists in 14 league games for Shakhtar. His immense attacking threats could be linked to his earlier role as a forward when he started his footballing career in Brazil.
He likes to operate down the wing in the attacking area of the pitch rather than sitting back in defensive areas to wait for the ball.
The continuous increase of players moving out of Ukraine, particularly after FIFA opened the avenue for players to leave their clubs on loan or permanently should they wish, has given Arsenal the chance to get their man this summer.
Nonetheless, he’s not in a rush for an exit, conjoined with Shakhtar’s €20million demands before opening negotiations with any club is putting the plugs on things at the moment.
