Arsenal are reportedly set to provide stiff competition to five other clubs in the race to sign Brenner, who has a €50 million release clause.
According to an exclusive report by Calciomercato, Arsenal are a part of a six-club group that are in pursuit of Brenner. The Brazilian striker, who has a release clause worth €50 million, has also been extensively scouted by the likes of Ajax, PSG, AC Milan, Juventus and Lazio.
Brenner has been a part of Sao Paulo FC since joining the club’s youth setup in 2011. Over the past decade, he has grown considerably to now become a regular member of the first-team setup at the Brazilian club, having initially broken into the senior side in 2017.
TALENT OF THE DAY
Brenner
Age: 20
Country: ??
Club: São Paulo
Position: LW/SS/CF
Player role: advanced striker
Strengths: pace, acceleration, finishing, movement, instinct, ball control, technique
Foot: right
Similar type of player: Alexandre Lacazette
Potential: 9/10— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) November 9, 2020
The current season, though, has been the breakthrough campaign for the 20-year-old, who has played a key role in their current unbeaten run in the Serie A, with 15 goals and 3 assists in 25 appearances across all competitions. Brenner’s progress has not gone unnoticed either, with as many as six European clubs, including Arsenal, keeping tabs on him.
Arsenal have made some giant strides under the tutelage of Mikel Arteta, but still continue to blow hot and cold this season. While defence has improved significantly, it is the attack that has been faltering, with the same visible in their 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa this past weekend.
In particular, Alexandre Lacazette has had the frustrating tendency to be anonymous in several games at a stretch, with Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang not receiving enough support in attack. As a result, it now seems like Arsenal could be set to make an attempt to bolster their attack once again, with the possible signing of Brenner.
The interest from the Gunners is interesting, considering they dived into the Brazilian market to sign Gabriel Martinelli, who has impressed since joining in the summer of 2019. Having said that, if Lacazette continues to be inconsistent, Arsenal’s desire to sign a player like Brenner could make sense.
The Premier League heavyweights, though, will be facing stiff competition from the likes of Ajax, PSG, AC Milan, Juventus and Lazio. To make matters more concerning, Brenner has a €50 million release clause in his contract with Sao Paulo, although the report suggests that the Brazilian club could be open to negotiate a lower transfer fee as well.
Considering their financial struggles, Arsenal could well be sitting on the negotiating table next summer, although it will be interesting to see if they can stave off competition to come out on top of the six-way battle in pursuit of Brenner.
