Arsenal Hold ‘Positive Talks’ With Defenders Agent After Making Formal £7m Bid

As we approach the opening of the summer window clubs will be intensifying their efforts in the transfer market so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip. Today, Gooner Mac brings us news of Arsenal’s interest in Rodrigo Caio.

Arsenal have held positive talks with the agent of highly-rated Brazilian defender Rodrigo Caio after submitting a formal £7m offer to Sao Paulo, according to reports today.

Arsene Wenger is expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer and with Bacary Sagna joining Manchester City and doubts continuing over the future of Thomas Veramelen, a new centre-back is likely to be on the agenda.

Several names have been linked with a move to the Emirates in recent weeks but it seems the club have looked to South America for potential new recruits as just days after we were linked with a move for Gremio defender Bressan, the Metro are claiming that we’ve tabled a formal £7m offer for Sao Paulo centre-back Rodrigo Caio.

It’s understood we scouted the 20-year-old at the recent Toulon Tournament in France where he starred for the Brazil Under-20 team and it appears we’ve been left suitably impressed as the report suggests chief scout Steve Rowley has already held positive talks with the players agent about a potential switch to north London.

Caio has recently linked up with Jorge Mendes and the well-known agent has been trying to get him a move to Europe, and it looks like he may have succeeded if Sao Paulo accept our £7m offer.

The Brazilian youngster broke into the Sao Paulo first team in 2011 and has gone on to make over 50 appearances for the club, forging a reputation as one of the most exciting young defenders in Serie A.

He’s predominantly a centre-half but is also capable of playing at right-back or as a defensive midfielder, so he’d give Arsene Wenger plenty of options if he does end up making the move to Arsenal this summer.

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The main problem we face will be getting a work permit as he’s yet to earn his first cap for the senior Brazilian national side, but if we are successful then he’ll come in to the squad and offer some depth to the defence.