Arsenal leading charge for biggest transfer battle of 2025

Updated: 1 Oct 2024 17:12 BST
3 min read

Vitor Reis, Estevao Willian, Palmeiras — © IMAGO

Arsenal have enquired about Palmeiras defender Vitor Reis, but he is also being chased by the rest of Europe's elite, according to a report.

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The 18-year-old's rise to prominence has been rapid, just as it has been with many a prospect at Palmeiras in recent years. The Sao Paulo-based side is quickly becoming Europe's favourite hunting ground, having produced Chelsea's Estevao, Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus, Real Madrid's Endrick and West Ham's Luis Guilherme.

The latest talent in this illustrious list is Vitor Reis. A centre-back by trade, the teenager has only made 15 senior appearances for the Serie A side so far, but he is already being courted by half of Europe.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal and Real Madrid have enquired about him, while Chelsea, Barcelona and Liverpool have registered their interest. No formal talks over a move have taken place, but it seems that Reis could be the protagonist of a huge transfer battle in 2025.

Palmeiras don't want to sell

Reis penned a new contract until 2028 in the summer, so Palmeiras are under no pressure to sell. His €100 million release clause could prove to be a problem, but it would come as a surprise if a club were to trigger it given his youth and relative inexperience.

The Brazilian side are determined to keep hold of Reis until at least the summer of 2025. The report states that they want to have him around for the Club World Cup campaign in June and July and have therefore not set an asking price.

Reis has captained Brazil at the youth level 13 times and has been compared to the likes of Marquinhos and Eder Militao. He has scored twice in his 15 appearances and was a guaranteed starter in the summer before a recent injury saw him sidelined for several matches.