Brighton & Hove Albion are looking to steal a march on Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea in the race for Palmeiras defender Vitor Reis and want to bring him to the American Express Stadium. This is as per reports from TBR Football, that have stated that the Seagulls have opened talks with the Brazilian outfit regarding a possible £25m deal for Reis.
Arsenal, Chelsea and even Real Madrid have been keeping tabs on the 18-year-old’s progress. All three clubs initially viewed Vitor Reis as one for the summer, where they could also structure a better deal for Palmeiras. However, Brighton’s swift movement to try and get the deal done in January is bound to throw these teams off.
One major leverage Brighton have over other interested parties is they can offer the player an easy path to the first team, and even being a starter. Arsenal have Gabriel and William Saliba, Chelsea have Axel Disasi, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, among others, while Real Madrid have the personnel, but they are out injured, but it is still unlikely Carlo Ancelotti would start a teenager.
It remains to be seen if the Seagulls can make progress in negotiations with Palmeiras.
Vitor Reis reaffirms focus on Palmeiras
Speaking to Brazilian outlet Gazeta Esportiva, Vitor Reis shed light on Palmeiras’ season, as well as his desire to remain committed to the club. He said,
“I think that for me, individually, it was a very good year, I managed to stand out. For our club, Palmeiras, I think it wasn’t very good, we didn’t manage to win many titles, but I think we need to improve for next year. I want to continue doing what I’m doing – playing well.
“I am fully focused on Palmeiras now and I will leave any offers to my agent.”
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The player has made 22 appearances for the club, contributing with two goals and also picking up four yellow cards. Being so highly-rated at a tender age for a central defender, it remains to be seen how Vitor Reis’ saga pans out.
