by Lewis Ambrose

According to INfoesporte in Brazil, Arsenal are looking into the possibility of signing young defensive midfielder Renan from Avaí.

Speaking on 8th July head coach, Gilson Kleina, said that Arsenal have been looking at the 17 year-old midfielder and watching his progress as he has broken into the Avaí first team.

“Arsenal are on the right track. He’s a great player with a great personality,” said Kleina.

“Not only has he managed to stay in the first team, but he’s also managed to maintain his technical level with that of the team.

“He has talent, and has managed it well and honed it. He is very close to the finish article. Not every 17-year-old plays at a consistent level in 10 of the first 11 Brasileiro games.”

The midfielder has now played 12 games in Brazil’s top division, starting all of them and completing the 90 minutes on 11 occasions. No player has made more tackles for the side than him so far this season. Renan has also featured in five cup games as he is clearly already impressing at the very highest level.

One stumbling block in any bid for the player may occur with the rights to him. Unfortunately Avaí only own 50% of the 17 year-old midfielder, with the other half belonging to a training club for young players called Esporte Clube Laranja Mecânica.

However, if interest is genuine, I am sure Arsenal wouldn’t let that get in the way of any potential deal.