Two Arsenal scouts were reportedly left enchanted by Vasco da Gama’s Rayan after attending a match against Fluminense earlier this week.
Vasco da Gama outlet Na Torcdia Vascainos reported on Monday that two Arsenal scouts would be in attendance for the team’s match against Fluminense at the Maracana to watch 19-year-old forward Rayan, ahead of a potential January departure for the teenager.
Given Rayan went on to score the opening goal in the match, it’s perhaps no surprise that NTV have since reported that the Arsenal scouts were left “enchanted” by the performance.
One of the scouts reportedly even called an Arsenal director in England at around 1am to feed back their positive assessment.
NTV also report that Vasco da Gama expect that Rayan will soon receive a call-up from Brazil, which would help to facilitate a potential move to the Premier League. It’s always easier to get work permits with senior international players.
Rayan has scored 16 goals and assisted one in his 46 games for Vasco da Gama in 2025, helping his team to the semi-final of the Copa Do Brasil.
The youngster has also been involved with the Brazil u20s throughout the year, scoring a couple of goals against Paraguay and Argentina.
Primarily operating as a right-winger, Rayan has also played at centre-forward at times this year, including in Monday’s game. He’s on a particularly good run of form right now, with six goals in six games.
It’s little wonder European teams are starting to circle, and perhaps Arsenal will consider a January bid.