Arsenal Round-Up: Leading race for Brazilian defender, Battle for French midfielder, Algerian attacker on the radar

Arsenal keeping close tabs with 19-year-old Brazilian centre-back

Arsenal will go up against arch-rivals Chelsea as the battle to land Robert Renan heats up. U20 Brazil international is one of Corinthians’ best footballers this campaign and has taken his game to new heights. Still raw, there is much to be learned before Robert can count himself to be a top-tier performer.

Edu Gaspar, Arsenal’s sporting director has a good relationship with the South American club, and it could sway the talks in their favour. The Spanish manager is putting together a young, hungry team and Renan should fit right in.

Primarily a centre-back, the 19-year-old defender can also do a job as a left-back. Good on the ball and confident enough in the tackle, the Brazilian defender has what it takes to develop into a reliable defensive general. Mikel Arteta has shown the ability to take his teenagers to new heights and will almost certainly work his magic on Renan.

Arsenal struck gold by beating other teams to Martinelli in 2019. The Brazilian is today a key performer and is with the national side in Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Time will tell if Robert will join Martinelli, Gabriel and Jesus as the Samba flavour returns to Arsenal.

Whether he ends up at the Emirates or at Stamford Bridge, Robert Renan is likely to find himself under a coach who is adept at developing raw potential into something tangible. Where exactly that will occur remains debatable.

Arsenal interested in signing €20m-rated France international

Arsenal could approach Juventus for Adrien Rabiot in the winter. The French midfielder is available on a cut-price deal in the next window, with his deal expiring in the summer. The Spanish manager is keen to reinforce his midfield options to keep momentum in the title race.

The midfield is particularly short in quality. At times, the London club have struggled without their preferred pairing of Xhaka and Partey. They are already targeting South American midfielder Danilo to cover for Partey, but the other position may also need reinforcing.

A recent report in Italy suggests Arsenal could also target Rabiot to strengthen the squad. Adrien has had a fantastic campaign so far, but the club could part ways if they receive €10m from the market.

France international will enter the final six months of his contract in winter. The Bianconeri would like to cash in than see him leave on a free transfer. The 27-year-old midfielder came close to joining Man United in the summer, but the move collapsed in the eleventh hour.

The Gunners could get a chance to bring the Frenchman on a cut-price deal. The idea may prove suitable for Mikel Arteta to keep momentum in the title race. The former PSG midfielder will be representing France at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which could allow teams, including Arsenal, to get a good look at the Juventus footballer.

Arsenal started negotiations with 19-year-old Ligue 1 playmaker

Arsenal are one of the teams interested in Fares Chaibi in winter. U23 Algeria international continues to impress with Toulouse in Ligue 1. The Spanish manager is looking at exciting opportunities in the window, with Chaibi one of the potential footballers on their shortlist.

Fares is steadily getting the recognition he deserves in Ligue 1 after impressing with Toulouse this campaign. The current season is also his breakthrough campaign. So far, his two goals and four assists in 13 matches are more than suitable for bigger sides to notice the 19-year-old playmaker.

Sevilla are one of the teams keen on signing the Algerian playmaker and could make an approach in winter. La Liga giants like the Algerian and the talents he possesses. They face tough competition in the market, with the Gunners looking at the African midfielder.

The Spanish manager has earmarked a total build-up of the Gunners squad, which has taken its course over the last two summer transfer windows. While Arsenal look formidable at the top of the PL charts, there is still plenty of work pending with this squad. The central midfield is a place where they need more specific options.

Chaibi could prove a wise purchase and is already showing immense talent at a tender age. Toulouse are in a good position with his deal, which lasts until 2025. The Ligue 1 club could demand a bigger fee if the competition for Fares increases.