Arsenal director Edu Gaspar has plenty of connections to Brazilian football, and one of their best rising stars was linked with a move.
With Arsenal wanting to strengthen their midfield, Fluminense and Brazil star Andre was linked as an option last Winter.
Andre helped Fluminense win the Copa Libertadores, and the defensive midfielder was the subject of scouting by Edu as he returned to Brazil to keep an eye out for several players.
However, Andre now looks set to move to a Premier League rival, despite Arsenal still wanting a midfielder, and he could even link up with a Gunner.
Arsenal target Andre set for move to Fulham
It has now been reported that Andre is now set to move to Fulham as a replacement for Joao Palhinha.
“Agreement in principle reached between Fulham and Fluminense for Andre, transfer fee set at £25m,” journalist Rudy Galetti posted on X.
“Fulham are discussing personal terms with the player. The exit of the midfielder would become the richest deal made by the Brazilian club in its history.”
Andre was linked with Arsenal with a price tag of £26m, and with Fulham also interested in a deal for Emile Smith Rowe, they could end up building a midfield which could have lined up at the Emirates instead.
Should Arsenal have pursued deal for Andre?
Andre was outstanding last year as Fluminense won the first Copa Libertadores title in their history, and he made the Brazil squad for the Copa America ahead of Manchester United star Casemiro.
However, Fluminense started their following campaign poorly, with manager Fernando Diniz dismissed from his role, and Andre suffered a dip in form.
Mikel Arteta may be more keen on an option more suited to his system or more proven in European football, with Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad linked, and a move to Fulham may be the best course of action for Andre’s development as he makes his first move to England.
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