Gunners Make Initial Contact With Lille Over £17m-Rated Centre-Back as Scouting Mission Revealed
Arsenal have taken the first steps in a potential move for Lille defender Alexsandro after the Brazilian’s impressive full-debut international window, with club representatives reportedly watching him during last week’s World Cup qualifiers.
From Third-Tier Reject to Brazil Starter
The 25-year-old, who played every minute of Brazil’s 0-0 draw with Ecuador and 1-0 win over Paraguay alongside PSG captain Marquinhos, has taken an unconventional path to the top. After failing to land a professional contract in Brazil, he climbed through Portugal’s lower leagues before Lille signed him for just £1.7m in 2022. Now, after helping Lille secure Europa League football, his rise has caught Arsenal’s attention.
Brazilian outlet UOL claims the Gunners and Napoli are “monitoring” the £17m-rated defender, with Arsenal scouts present for his clean-sheet performance against Paraguay. When asked about his future, Alexsandro remained diplomatic: “It depends on [Lille] president Olivier Létang. I am calm—there’s no rush to leave. He will decide.”
The Manager Who Changed His Career
The defender credits Lille boss Bruno Genesio for his rapid development, telling BeFootball: “He helps me off the pitch too. We talk constantly—if he senses I’m down, he checks in. I love him; he has a great heart. Next season, I hope we achieve more together.”
Arsenal’s Defensive Dilemma
Despite having strong depth in Gabriel, Saliba, Calafiori, and Kiwior, Arsenal see Alexsandro as a cost-effective option. Meanwhile, their search for attacking reinforcements continues, with PSV’s Johan Bakayoko now available for just £17m—half of his previous valuation—after rejecting Brentford two years ago.
With a striker and winger still priorities, Alexsandro’s potential arrival could hinge on outgoings. But after his meteoric rise, one thing is certain: Europe’s elite are finally taking notice.
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