Arsenal are one of the clubs Reinier Jesus’ father has visited to see their facilities ahead of a potential transfer to Europe, according to reports.

Reinier em ação pelo Flamengo (Gilvan de Souza / Flamengo)
Reinier with Flamengo (Gilvan de Souza / Flamengo)

Mundo Deportivo suggest Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are currently leading the race for the Brazilian teenager, but Arsenal are also involved. The Gunners, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City have all welcomed Reinier’s father to visit their facilities recently, as he made a tour of Europe.

Still not even 18 until January, Reinier is making a good impression in midfielder for his current club Flamengo. He’s scored four goals and assisted two in the Brazilian Serie A since the start of September, making seven starts so far.

Unfortunately, that led to Flamengo extending his contract to 2024 and including a release clause of €70m. During previous negotiations, Barcelona had been quoted a fee of €20m, which they wouldn’t meet, but since then his valuation has exploded.

Realistically, it’s expected Flamengo would accept a deal closer to €40-45m (£34.1-38.4m), which is what Real Madrid paid for Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo.

Arsenal were linked with Reinier – who can also play on the wings – back in the summer as well. The suggestion was that Edu was trying to bring both Reinier and Martinelli with him, though the club have only succeeded in landing the latter so far.

It’s unlikely they’ll move again in January, especially at the price quoted, but perhaps this is one for next summer.