Arsenal tipped to bid £30m for Brazilian wonderkid despite ‘not for sale’ stance sidelining Man City, Newcastle
Arsenal may still look to try and sign Newcastle and Manchester City target Matheus Franca this month, despite a very firm ‘not for sale’ stance from his club, Flamengo.
The 18-year-old is regarded as one of the most exciting young attackers in the world at the moment, but he may have to wait for a move to the Premier League.
This will come as a blow to the Premier League trio, as whoever secures Franca’s signature will have a player with unbelievable potential at their disposal
Per reports earlier this month, Manchester City were reportedly willing to spend a ‘truckload’ of money on Franca, which shows how highly regarded the youngster is.
As well as this, Fabrizio Romano claims Newcastle have already offered £14m for Franca this month, though this was laughed off by the Flamengo hierarchy.
Indeed, the Brazilian giants are determined to keep their golden boy this year, as they look to defend their Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brazil titles in 2023.
Now vice president Marco Braz recently firmed up his intention to keep hold of Franca this January.
Speaking to Vene Casagrande, he said: “We do not put Matheus Franca up for sale. He is not for sale.
“We are not interested negotiating for Matheus Franca at this moment.”
Premier League trio could still move for Franca despite Flamengo stance
Indeed, staying at Flamengo is probably a smart move for Franca, as he will play more regularly and therefore help him reach his potential.
The Brazilian is not yet a regular starter at the Maracana, making only 17 appearances in the league last season, scoring four goals.
While he is not yet the finished article, his potential is clear as day.
A versatile attacking player, with the ability to play as an attacking midfielder, winger or as a central striker, Franca is excellent on the ball and has plenty of tricks to confuse opposition defenders.
Indeed, his talent is reminiscent of a young Neymar and we know how good he turned out to be.
However, the fact that he is not yet a key player in Flamengo’s team suggests that the club could be willing to sell, but only if a sizeable offer is received.
Reports suggest that Flamengo would like an offer close to £30m to entertain a sale – around £10m less than what they sold Vinicius Junior to Real Madrid for in 2018.
Money is not a problem for Manchester City, so you would think that if Pep Guardiola decides he wants to see Franca at the Etihad, then they could pay Flamengo’s asking price.
Newcastle and Arsenal are in relatively a similar position financially, so there’s every chance that there could be a bidding war between the three wealthy clubs for the Brazilian wonderkid, if not now, then at the end of the season.
To that end, reports in Brazil suggest of the three it may be Arsenal who come forward with a hefty proposal before the window shuts.
