Report: Arsenal set to battle Real Madrid for 'special player' after securing agreement for Mikel Merino

Arsenal’s 2024/25 campaign is now set to get underway but there are still two weeks for the Gunners to bring in some new signings.

Despite the window having been open for two months, Arsenal have only been able to make one signing this summer in Riccardo Calafiori.

Mikel Arteta will have the Italy international at his disposal on Saturday for the game against Wolves but he may have hoped for more this summer.

Arsenal are now closing in on a deal for Mikel Merino after around a month of negotiating with Real Sociedad for their Euro 2024 winner.

With a deal for the Spain international now looking likely, Arsenal also have their eyes on a young prospect who is receiving interest from across Europe.

Arsenal ready to battle Real Madrid for wonderkid

There is still plenty of time for Arsenal to secure further additions but it is clear this summer has been about Arteta selecting the right players rather than bringing in a number of new faces.

A new striker could be an option with Arsenal having shown interest in Napoli’s Victor Osimhen over the course of the summer.

But the Gunners are also showing an interest in an 18-year-old talent who, Eduardo Burgos says, has picked up interest from the top clubs in Europe.

According to the Brazilian journalist Arsenal are just one of the clubs who are showing their interest in the Palmeiras talent.

But they are definitely not alone in sounding out the centre-back with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea also on his case.

However, the biggest obstacle for the Gunners could well be the fact Real Madrid have also been credited in the report despite having not quite made contact yet.

Who is Vitor Reis?

The 18-year-old central defender is currently playing his football in his homeland of Brazil for Palmeiras.

Despite being so young, Reis has already become a regular in the Palmeiras starting XI which is helping him catch the eyes out scouts across Europe.

The ‘wonderkid’ currently still has four years remaining on his deal with the Brazilian outfit which will certainly put them in the driving seat when it comes to potential transfer negotiations.

U23 scout Antonio Mango has hailed Reis as a ‘special, special player’ with those in his homeland clearly having some big expectations on what is to come from the young defender.

A number of Brazilians have made the move over to Europe at a young age and it looks like Reis could be the next in line.