Arsenal are one of the clubs chasing Flamengo midfielder Gerson, with Raul Sanllehi driving the move, according to the player’s father.

Marcos Santos, the father of Flamengo midfielder Gerson, told ESPN Arsenal are one of plenty of clubs after his son. The Gunners are the most recent club to come in for the 22-year-old.

“Nobody knew about (the interest of) Arsenal, but now that I’m telling you, everyone will know,” Marcao said. He then confirmed Raul Sanllehi’s involvement, adding that the director of football also tried to sign Gerson when he was at Barcelona.

Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund are also monitoring the midfielder, though they’ve only made initial enquiries. The player and his family are happy with Flamengo at the moment, though.

Arsenal obviously have contacts at the Brazilian club. We know that for certain after they signed Pablo Mari on loan in January. Soon, they’ll talk to Flamengo again about Mari’s permanent move. Perhaps they’ll also take that opportunity to discuss Gerson.

Since joining Flamengo in July, Gerson is up to 41 appearances. He only missed one game after his debut, and even that was through a yellow-card suspension.

The young midfielder was a key part of the team winning the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Serie A in 2019, as well as the Supercopa do Brasil and the Recopa Sudamericana in 2020. He only missed out on the Club World Cup, as Flamengo lost 1-0 to Liverpool in extra time.

It’s not hard to see why he’s so happy with them right now. Still, it’s possible he might follow Mari’s lead if the Spaniard puts a good word in.