Arsenal and Juventus are among six European powerhouses ready to compete for Sao Paulo’s 20-year-old Brazilian forward Brenner.
The striker has 15 goals and three assists in 25 appearances this season, attracting the attention of suitors across Europe in the process.
Brenner has enjoyed a successful season this year / Poll/Getty Images
According to Italian news outlet Calcio Mercato, Brenner is being pursued by Arsenal, Ajax, Juventus, Lazio, Milan and PSG – and has been on the French champions’ radar for some time.
The youngster has a release clause in the region of €50m, and his contract with the Brazilian outfit runs until 2022. However, Sao Paulo could be willing to drop their asking price to a more reasonable fee next summer.
Brenner qualifies for an Italian passport thanks to relatives on his mother’s side, potentially making the process of moving to Europe easier due to fewer complications with work permits.
The forward has represented Brazil at under-17 to under-20 level, and has averaged a goal every 94 minutes this season to help Sao Paulo go on a 10-game league unbeaten run, giving him ‘s team is fourth – just three points behind the international leaders.
Sao Paulo hasn’t lost since September/Pool/Getty Images.
Arsenal have a history of raiding Brazilian teams for exciting young forwards, having signed Gabriel Martinelli from Etano in July 2019.
Martinelli holds an Italian passport, and was able to play for the Gunners immediately after signing because he didn’t need a work permit or visa, which could be the case with Brenner.
After joining São Paulo as an 11-year-old and progressing through the youth system, Brenner began his senior career in 2017, and has already made over 50 appearances for his boyhood club.
He had a short loan spell with Fluminense in 2019, but has forced himself back into the first team this season to much acclaim.