Arsenal and Chelsea face SHOCK competition for €100m Brazilian wonderkid

Cameron Smith

• 3 Jan 2025 08:00 CST
• 3 min read

Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly submitted a third bid for highly-rated Palmeiras defender Vitor Reis as they look to fend off significant competition for his signature.

The 18-year-old is regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in world football and Brighton have already seen two offers knocked back in their bid to finalise an agreement for the Brazilian youngster.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid are also monitoring Reis’ development at Palmeiras, although they may be forced to act quickly as Brighton are currently locked in negotiations to sign the teenager.

READ MORE: Chelsea handed 'golden opportunity' to sign €90m target

Furthermore, the Seagulls have now submitted a third bid worth €28.3 million (£23.5m) for Reis, according to The Express, and they are hopeful that their latest offer will tempt Palmeiras into a January sale.

Reis, who reportedly has a €100m release clause, enjoyed a breakout season in 2024, racking up 22 first-team appearances for Palmeiras as they finished second in the Brazilian top flight.

Liverpool and Barcelona have also been linked with a move for the young defender, but Brighton are pushing to reach an agreement as they look to beat several elite European clubs to Reis’ signature.

Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister, Julio Enciso and Valentin Barco have all joined Brighton directly from South America over the past few years, and the Seagulls are hoping Reis will follow suit.

READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano ANNOUNCES Arsenal's first January transfer

Brighton’s January transfer business

Brighton have already finalised their first signing of the January transfer window, with talented midfielder Diego Gomez arriving from MLS side Inter Miami for €13m.

The Paraguay international made 40 appearances across an 18-month spell at Inter Miami, scoring seven goals in all competitions, following his arrival from boyhood club Libertad.

However, Republic of Ireland forward Evan Ferguson could leave the AMEX Stadium amid interest from a host of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Fulham and West Ham United.