As per the Athletic, Premier League juggernauts Arsenal and Spanish champions Real Madrid are holding a keen interest in Palmeiras centre-back Vitor Reis.
Both clubs have talked to the player’s agent but have not made any formal approaches. Chelsea, Liverpool, and Barcelona have also enquired about the Brazilian sensation.
The centre-back renewed his contract until December 2028. He has a €100 million (£83.3m) release clause in his contract but no asking price set as the club wants to keep him until the Club World Cup in 2025.
Reis joined Palmeiras in 2016 and has been impressing scouts with his thunderous performances for the Brazilian Serie A side. He made his first senior debut in June against Fortaleza.
🚨 JUST IN from @MarioCortegana and @Gunnerblog:
Real Madrid and Arsenal are among a host of top clubs who have shown interest in signing Palmeiras centre-back, Vitor Reis.
Both sides have made initial enquiries with Palmeiras and the player’s agents regarding his availability. pic.twitter.com/NobqfQw2Wk
— Eduardo Hagn (@EduardoHagn) September 30, 2024
He racked up 15 appearances for the Alviverde, scoring two goals. Plus, he has also been capped 15 times by Brazil’s U-16 and U-17 youth teams.
He plies trade as a centerback but can also operate as a right-back. The 18-year-old is strong aerially and can initiate attacks from the back. He is a great captain and has led the youth teams.
Reis’ style of play is similar to that of Paris Saint-Germain star Marquinhos and Madrid’s Eder Militao.
WILL VITOR REIS PREFER ARSENAL?
Arsenal recently boasted their defensive unit, with Riccardo Calafiori joining from Bologna this summer. They also have Jurrien Timber, who can play both as a CB and a RB. Although it will be tempting to sign the teenager as a long-term investment, his release clause remains a major hurdle.
The Brazilian team will be aware of the interest in their player and might be ready to accept offers next year. Reis might look at other options as well since it will be difficult for the teenager to get ahead of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes in the defensive pecking order.
Vitor Reis is a calm defender in the mold of Thiago Silva, Pique, Van Dijk, and Saliba.
Very composed and mature brain—he reads and kills dangerous situations before they show up. pic.twitter.com/OIljnRrRtM
— PD (@1_2spaces) September 30, 2024
The 18-year-old will grow under the guidance of some of the best defenders at the Emirates. But will he be patient enough to wait for his chance?
Real Madrid have also shown interest in South American talents in recent years. They were close to signing Leny Yoro from Lille before the French wonderkid joined Manchester United this summer. Hence, Los Blancos will be on the lookout for a young centre-back, and that makes the race even more intriguing to watch.
