Chelsea battle Arsenal for teenage South American centre-back with potential £45m clause

Chelsea and Arsenal are linked with Brazilian sensation Robert Renan

According to Goal Brazil (h/t Football.London), Chelsea and London rivals Arsenal are linked with Brazilian wonderkid Robert Renan who is available at a high price after making his senior debut in South America. German side Borussia Dortmund are also interested in the defender.

Only Chelsea and Arsenal are the two clubs from England who are keen on targeting players from Brazil in the coming transfer windows.

Renan, a centre-back by trade, has played a few games for the Brazilian club Corinthians. But, his stock has taken a rise due to his performances for the Brazil U18s and Brazil U20s.

Having made his senior debut at the age of 18 and doing very well, Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers were interested in signing him in the summer window. They tried to sign for a fee of less than £10m. But the move did not go through.

Now, if either Chelsea or Arsenal are looking to sign the defender, it would cost them £45m, which is his release clause price for clubs outside of Brazil.

The Blues haven’t had much success in terms of bringing young talents from Brazil and developing them into superstars. They brought Kenedy and Lucas Piazon in the early 2010s recruitment drive. However, neither of the two had an enjoyable time at Stamford Bridge nor did they do anything significant elsewhere.

Under the new ownership though, Todd Boehly and co are interested in spending money on the young talents and developing them in the academy or with the senior team. They also want to increase the diversity of players being signed. Brazil is one of their hot spots.

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Renan has the qualities to do well if Chelsea sign him. The price is higher for a player who may have to graduate from the academy here before making first-team appearances. However, if he continues to do well in his home country, there won’t be many options left other than signing him.