"Enchanted": Arsenal now interested in £26m Brazilian winger with 16 goals this year
Arsenal were keeping tabs on Vasco da Gama forward Rayan during the recent derby against Fluminense.
The Gunners bolstered their forward department in the summer with three quality acquisitions.
Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke were signed. The former has already netted five goals in all competitions, including a brace against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Arsenal are also looking into the future with young additions, and Bola VIP have relayed a story from NT Vascaínos, which claims that the club’s scouts were in attendance to watch Rayan on Monday.
The 19-year-old started the local derby against Fluminense in the Brazilian Serie A. He opened the scoring in the 38th minute. Vasco da Gama went on to win by a 2-0 scoreline at home.
The Gunners’ scouts were left ‘enchanted’ by the forward’s showing upfront. They were so impressed that they called an Arsenal director at 1am to report on the teenager’s performance.
Vasco da Gama believe the youngster will be called up for Brazil duty soon, which could pave the way for a Premier League move. It is claimed that he could leave at the end of the season.
Rayan could be a player to watch out for
The Brazilian is primarily a right-sided winger, but has also impressed in the number nine position. He has registered 16 goals and one assist from 46 appearances across all competitions this year.
Aside from his goal involvements, the left-footed ace has won 5.1 duels with 2.4 recoveries per league game. He has been dominant in the air, winning almost 60 percent of his challenges.
Rayan has left a good impression with his form in 2025. The Gunners could follow up their interest, particularly if Gabriel Jesus is shown the exit door during the winter transfer window.
Jesus is poised to return from a knee injury in December. There is a possibility that he could be sold or loaned out in January amid competition from Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino upfront.
The Brazilian star may also struggle for minutes out wide. Bukayo is an undisputed starter on the right wing, with Noni Madueke, Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman among the deputy options.
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have had good starts to the campaign on the opposite flank, and Jesus may not displace the in-form duo to secure a starting role in the coming months.
If Jesus departs, Arsenal may look to pursue a young backup. Rayan is valued at £26 million by Vasco da Gama, but they could accept around £17.4m plus £4.3m in add-ons, according to O Dia.
His versatility and potential could urge the hierarchy to make an approach at the turn of the year.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
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