Fabrizio Romano has quashed rumours that Arsenal have submitted a bid for Flamengo star Matheus Franca but admits they are among the interested clubs.
The Gunners have long been linked with the 19-year-old. It was suggested in January that they were set to bid £30m for the attacking midfielder. However, it seems as though that offer was well wide of the mark.
Manchester City and Newcastle United are also thought to be keen. And a report in April claimed the Magpies would need to fork out around £176m for the starlet’s signature.
That is because he has now inked a new deal with the South Americans until 2028.
While it seems unlikely that any club will pay that much for the Brazil Under-20 star, he is clearly a player with huge potential.
With an ability to play central midfield, out wide or as a central striker, he is a manager’s dream.
Thought to be the next massive talent to emerge form Brazil, it is no wonder that European clubs are starting to take note.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will attempt to add quality to his ranks this summer.
Having matched City for most of the season, the north Londoners’ challenge ran out of steam after 30 games.
The Spaniard knows that he is not far away from having the squad capable of lifting silverware.
Landing a player with the X-factor might be the difference between second and first.
Franca is thought to fall into that category and recent reports claimed Arsenal had submitted a bid in the region of €17m.
Having learnt Flamengo’s supposed valuation, that figure would not be considered.
European clubs circling for Franca
Franca is still inexperienced at the top level, with only 27 appearances for the Flamengo first team.
He has bagged seven goals to date and it would surprise nobody if he followed many of his compatriots on the well-worn path to Europe.
Whether or not Arteta does get his man only time will tell. Romano is a big fan but made it clear that the Gunners have yet to show their hand and will face a fight to secure the transfer.
“It’s not true it is not true that Arsenal have made a bid for Matheus Franca,” he said on the Here We Go Podcast.
“We heard rumours about €17m, but that is fake, Arsenal know this player.
“I’ve really liked him for a long time. Newcastle have had a bid rejected in January. But let’s see what happens because I’m told there are three more clubs in the race.”
It is unclear who the other clubs are but it would be no surprise if Newcastle were still keen.
The Magpies have the funds to take him to Tyneside and are now a big draw having secured Champions League football.
Manager Eddie Howe has made it clear he will be looking to bring in fresh faces during the off-season.
The St James’ Park recruitment team have been spot on in their dealings since the Saudi-backed takeover.
And landing the Brazilian ‘wonderkid’ could be another piece of shrewd business. All in north London will hope that he ends up at the other end of the country.
