Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Palmeiras gem Vitor Reis. The 18 year old plays in central defence and is said to be attracting interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid.
According to Edu Borges, a journalist from Diario AS, Manchester United and Chelsea are also interested in the youngster. Reis only made his senior debut in June earlier this year but has impressed many scouts with his performances in the ten matches he has played so far.
Born in São Paulo, Reis joined Palmeiras’ academy at the age of 10, where he quickly displayed leadership qualities, often captaining the youth sides. His debut for the senior team came in a match against Fortaleza, where he came on as a substitute in the second half. Additionally, Reis has captained Brazil’s youth teams, playing ten matches across the Under-16 and Under-17 levels.
Vitor Reis – Recognition by the Guardian
Reis’s talent has not gone unnoticed; in 2023, The Guardian included him in their list of the top 60 players born in 2006. The publication described him as “a fast, well-balanced player with excellent positioning” and praised him as the standout defender of his generation. Similarly, Spanish newspaper Diario AS has praised his “good positioning and tactical intelligence,”.
Statistically, Reis appears to possess the attributes desired in a modern centre-back. He boasts a pass completion rate of over 90%, placing him among the top 4% for passing accuracy among defenders. He also ranks highly for tackles per 90 minutes and aerial duels won, indicating his all-around defensive capabilities. While these statistics are based on a small sample size, they provide a glimpse into his playing style.
MUST WATCH: 18-year-old Vitor Reis is The Next Big Defender!
Arsenal unlikely to make a move this summer
Despite Arsenal’s interest, a move for Reis this summer seems unlikely. The Gunners recently announced the signing of defender Riccardo Calafiori, and they are already well-stocked in the centre-back position. With players like Gabriel, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Jurrien Timber, Ben White, and Calafiori capable of playing in central defense, Mikel Arteta may not feel the need to add another defender to the squad this summer. However, Arsenal scouts are expected to continue tracking Reis as he continues to emerge as one of the most promising young defenders in football.
