Arsenal have reportedly made initial contact with LOSC Lille over the potential summer signing of Alexsandro Ribeiro, as Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta continue to evaluate options to strengthen the squad’s defensive depth.
According to UOL, the 25-year-old Brazilian defender is seriously considering a move away from Ligue 1 this summer, and Arsenal scouts have been closely tracking his recent international appearances.
Alexsandro Ribeiro is suited at Arsenal
Alexsandro enjoyed a standout season in France, playing a key role in helping Lille secure 10 clean sheets in Ligue 1. His physicality, composure, and aerial dominance — winning 71% of aerial duels and 58% of ground duels — highlight his suitability for the Premier League.
What sets him apart, however, is his two-footedness and ball-playing ability — traits highly valued in Arteta’s possession-based system. Comfortable on either side of a centre-back pairing, Alexsandro could serve as:
- Back-up to Gabriel Magalhães on the left
- A right-sided alternative to William Saliba, who continues to attract interest from Real Madrid
International recognition adds to appeal
The Lille defender recently made his debut for the Brazilian national team under Carlo Ancelotti and wasted no time making an impression. In his first cap against Ecuador, Alexsandro:
- Kept a clean sheet
- Won 100% of his five duels
- Marshalled the backline with notable composure
- He followed up with another strong outing against Paraguay, winning 7 of 12 duels and catching the attention of Arsenal’s scouting team.
The Gunners’ Brazilian contingent, which includes Gabriel, Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus, could also help ease Alexsandro’s transition to life in North London.
There is already a line of connection from Lille…
Arsenal have previously struck a successful deal with Lille for Gabriel Magalhães, who has grown into one of the Premier League’s top defenders. A similar pathway could be paved for Alexsandro, who is reportedly open to leaving France for a new challenge.
While no formal offer has been submitted yet, Arsenal’s early move suggests they are positioning themselves ahead of potential competition.
But is defence a priority at Arsenal right now?
Despite Alexsandro’s clear quality, many Arsenal fans and pundits argue that reinforcements in attack must take priority.
Arsenal’s defensive numbers have been among the best in the Premier League, thanks to the core trio of Saliba, Gabriel, and Declan Rice. However, the attack has faltered at key moments — particularly in tight games against low blocks and during crucial stages of the Champions League campaign.
With links to marquee attacking players like:
Viktor Gyökeres
Benjamin Sesko
Nico Williams
Rafael Leão
Julian Alvarez
…many feel the club’s focus — and funds — should remain on bolstering goal output and creativity.
