Arsenal are interested in signing Alexsandro Ribeiro this summer.
The Gunners are on the market for a new backup defender, someone who can play centrally as well as at left-back when required.
Jorrel Hato has been linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, and he would be a very good signing. But, there is a new name on Andrea Berta’s wish list now.
Meet Alexsandro of Lille.
Who is Arsenal’s new target Alexsandro Ribeiro?
Alexsandro Victor de Souza Ribeiro, who goes by Alexsandro, is a defender who plays for Lille and the Brazilian national team.
Born in 1999, the 25-year-old started his career at Flamengo’s youth setup before moving to Resende when he was still a teenager.
Alexsandro then played for Prainse, Amora and Chaves in Portugal before getting his big move to French giants Lille in 2022.
He has since made a great name for himself and even earned two international caps for Brazil recently.
Alexsandro’s position and style of play
Alexsandro is a central defender by trade.
The Brazilian, who is 6ft 2in tall, can play on either side of central defence comfortably because he is as two-footed as they come. The 25-year-old has no weak foot.
Alexsandro is a very physical defender. He’s never shy to make a big tackle and relishes a battle with big centre-forwards.
On the ball, the defender is extremely comfortable. He can pull off long passes with both feet with ease, which is arguably his biggest asset.
Alexsandro could be Arsenal’s new Gabriel Magalhaes
A Brazilian defender playing for Lille who is good on the ball and strong in the tackle?
That was Gabriel Magalhaes before he signed for Arsenal, and Alexsandro is of a similar mould. The latter has many similarities to the Arsenal number six.
His physicality and fearlessness make him a fine player, and his ability to play on either side makes him a great option.
Gabriel and Alexsandro even met a few days ago and posed for a picture after the Lille star made his second appearance for Brazil.
Alexsandro to Arsenal transfer news
UOL in Brazil have revealed that Arsenal have made initial contact to sign Alexsandro this summer.
The Gunners already have Gabriel and William Saliba, but with Jakub Kiwior potentially leaving the Emirates this summer, a replacement could be necessary.
The report claims that Arsenal watched Alexsandro during his two starts for Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti, and they liked what they saw.
But, Antonio Conte’s Napoli are also interested in the defender and could rival Arsenal in the race to sign him in the coming weeks.
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