Corinthians have rejected an offer from Arsenal for right-back Matheuzinho, according to a report from Brazil.
Wilson Pimentel reports for Brazilian outlet RTI Esporte that Arsenal are interested in signing Corinthians right-back Matheuzinho, and they’ve been monitoring his performances since last season.
Corinthians have reportedly already rejected two offers for Matheuzinho, one of which is believed to have been from Arsenal.
Corinthians’ director of football Marcelo Paz apparently believes that now is not the time to negotiate the defender’s transfer, viewing him as a key player for the team.
Matheuzinho has a contract with Corinthians until the end of 2028, with the Brazilian league operating on a calendar-year basis. The player has shown no interest in leaving the club so far, despite offers to increase his salary overseas.
The Corinthians board are also reportedly planning to discuss a new deal with the 25-year-old, hoping to show him they’re serious about keeping him around.
If Arsenal want to sign Matheuzinho without any fee talks, they’d have to pay his €100m (£87.1m) buyout clause, with the player having a specific release clause for international transfers. His domestic release clause is €50m.
Realistically, that means the deal isn’t going to happen unless Corinthians agree to come to the table and negotiate.
Arsenal do seem to be in the market for a right-back this summer, with Fabrizio Romano recently reporting that the Gunners will target a younger player in that position.
Whether 25-year-old Matheuzinho qualifies is unclear, but if the Brazilian media are to be believed then he’s a player the club like.