Arsenal monitor Flamengo’s Matheus França, as scout Jonathan Vidallè watches Copa Libertadores match. Competition from other Premier League clubs.

• Arsenal send scout Jonathan Vidallè to monitor Flamengo midfielder Matheus França during a Copa Libertadores match
• Other Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace, Liverpool, and Newcastle, are also interested in França
• Flamengo reportedly seeks a proposal exceeding R$ 100 million (approximately €18 million) for França

Arsenal are keeping a close eye on Flamengo’s promising midfielder Matheus França with the club sending scout Jonathan Vidallè to a Copa Libertadores match between Flamengo and Ñublense.

The 19-year-old Brazilian has been turning heads with his performances, attracting interest from other Premier League clubs such as Crystal Palace, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, França joined Flamengo’s youth academy at the age of 12 and made his first-team debut in December 2021 against Santos. This season, he has made 20 appearances and scored two goals, showcasing his talent and potential.

Arsenal face stiff competition for the young midfielder’s signature, with Crystal Palace also sending a representative to Maracanã.

Flamengo have already rejected a €16 million offer from Newcastle in January, highlighting the level of interest surrounding França.

The Brazilian club is reportedly holding out for a proposal exceeding R$ 100 million (approximately €18 million).

In an interview, Matheus França has stated his commitment to Flamengo and his focus on finishing the season with the club, despite the mounting interest from English clubs.

Jonathan Vidallè, a scout with extensive experience in South America, is tasked with monitoring players in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay for Arsenal. He has a proven track record, having previously worked for Boca Juniors and Parma.

Besides França, Vidallè is also keeping tabs on other South American talents, such as Fluminense’s forward John Kennedy and Vasco da Gama’s winger Eguinaldo.

Kennedy, a 20-year-old centre forward, has netted seven goals in 15 appearances this season and is valued at around €4 million. Eguinaldo, an 18-year-old left-winger, has played 191 minutes so far and has a market value of €600,000.

As the transfer window approaches, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal will make a move for Matheus França, but the club’s interest in the young Brazilian midfielder is clear.

The Gunners will need to fend off competition from other Premier League clubs and meet Flamengo’s high valuation if they want to secure his services.