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According to reports from The Athletic's Real Madrid correspondent Mario Cortegana, Los Blancos and Premier League juggernauts Arsenal have made contact to sign Brazilian prodigy Vitor Reis from Palmeiras. The two sides are among a host of top European clubs interested in the 18-year-old defender's services.
Reis made the jump to Palmeiras' senior team in June 2024, and quickly established himself as a regular starter. He has made 15 senior appearances this season, scoring two goals.
Transfermarkt's Brazilian football expert Marcos Watts dropped his analysis on Reis' game in a September 2024 article. He wrote (via transfermarkt):
"Despite not being a very physical player, he's very good in the air and has shown great awareness for an 18-year-old. He's also very good on the ball, both for setting up the play from the back and for attacking - which has already been translated into two goals so early in his career."
"Another good mental attribute he's already shown is his decision making - he knows where the spaces are and knows when to move forward or when to make a tackle, something that is quite remarkable for a player so young," Watts added.
Real Madrid were linked with Lille's 18-year-old defensive sensation Leny Yoro in the summer, but Manchester United swooped in to sign him for a reported £52 million. Los Blancos are reportedly keen on improving their defensive stocks and rejuvenating their side with young talent, with Reis fitting both criteria.
Arsenal have also had struggles with defensive depth due to some recurring injuries. With Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Kieran Tierney linked with moves away from the club, the Gunners will likely be keen on adding a defensive talent like Reis.
Real Madrid plotting move for superstar Arsenal centre-back, Gunners unlikely to let him leave - Reports
According to reports from Football Transfers, Real Madrid are contemplating a potential move for Arsenal centre-back William Saliba. However, the Gunners have made it clear that the Frenchman is not for sale.
Besides raw talents like Palmeiras' Vitor Reis, Real Madrid are also looking to add some proven quality in the form of Saliba. The 23-year-old, who is arguably one of the best centre-backs in world football at the moment, is a key cog in Mikel Arteta's plans at the Emirates.
According to the report, Real Madrid are willing to offer a player to sweeten the deal and Rodrygo has been suggested as a potential option. They are also ready to include multiple players and cash to create a blockbuster deal for Saliba.
However, the Gunners are keen on keeping Saliba at the club to help them break their Premier League title drought. Despite his contract already running till 2027, Arsenal are expected to tie their French star down to a lucrative new contract in the coming weeks.
