Arsenal send scout to Copa Libertadores match to monitor Flamengo’s rising star Matheus França along with other potential targets.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 02: Matheus França of Flamengo celebrates after scoring the first goal of his team during a match between Flamengo and Corinthians as part of Brasileirao 2022 at Maracana Stadium on November 2, 2022 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 02: Matheus França of Flamengo celebrates after scoring the first goal of his team during a match between Flamengo and Corinthians as part of Brasileirao 2022 at Maracana Stadium on November 2, 2022 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)
  • Arsenal dispatches scout Jonathan Vidallè to observe Flamengo’s promising midfielder Matheus França.
  • França, with 18 appearances and 2 goals, has garnered attention from Crystal Palace, Liverpool, and Newcastle.
  • Arsenal are also monitoring South American prospects such as Fluminense’s John Kennedy and Vasco da Gama’s Eguinaldo.

Arsenal keeping tabs on Flamengo prodigy Matheus França

Arsenal have sent a scout to the Copa Libertadores match between Flamengo and Ñublense to monitor the progress of Flamengo’s highly-rated midfielder Matheus França, according to Torcedores.

Scout Jonathan Vidallè’s South American experience

Arsenal have entrusted Jonathan Vidallè, a former Boca Juniors employee, with the task of scouting players in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay.

Vidallè has a proven track record, having previously worked as a scout for Boca Juniors from 2011 to 2014, and for Parma between 2009 and 2011.

He joined Arsenal in 2014.

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Matheus França’s remarkable rise to prominence

The 19-year-old Brazilian has made a name for himself in Flamengo’s midfield, with 18 appearances and two goals this season.

Born in Rio de Janeiro, França joined Flamengo’s youth setup at the age of 12 and made his senior debut in December 2021 against Santos.

His impressive performances have reportedly also caught the attention of several Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

Arsenal facing stiff competition for França

With Crystal Palace also reportedly sending a representative to the Maracanã, the Gunners face tough competition in their pursuit of França.

Exploring other South American prospects

Besides Matheus França, Vidallè is also monitoring Fluminense’s centre forward John Kennedy (20) and Vasco da Gama’s left winger Eguinaldo (18).

Kennedy has seven goals in 14 appearances this season and is valued at around €4m.

Eguinaldo has played just 191 minutes and is valued at €600k.

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