Arsenal sent scouts to Copa Libertadores final to watch £26m transfer target

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Brazilian side Fluminense beat Argentinian giants Boca Juniors in the Copa Libertadores final on Saturday, and Arsenal took great interest in the match.

Arsenal technical director Edu Gaspar has a lot of ties to Brazilian football, and was recently spotted in his home nation visiting a number of clubs, amidst transfer speculation over several players.

Fluminense won 2-1 in extra time at the Maracana, and midfielder Andre had helped them to their first ever triumph in the competition.

Andre has been linked with both Arsenal and Liverpool for a January move, and it has now emerged that Arsenal scouts were present to witness his greatest victory.

Arsenal scouts watched Andre in Copa Libertadores victory

A report from Brazilian outlet Globo has now revealed that scouts from Arsenal, Fulham and Liverpool were all in attendance during the final, and that all are keen on Fluminense midfielder Andre.

Andre is expected to leave in the January transfer window following the Club World Cup, and has an asking price of €30m (£26m).

Liverpool had an offer rejected in the summer, with both the player and club adamant on staying until the Copa Libertadores was concluded, and it seems likely that they will still be interested in him.

Should Arsenal sign Andre from Fluminense?

Arsenal have faced issues in midfield this season, with Thomas Partey suffering from injuries, whilst Granit Xhaka has proven difficult to replace.

Kai Havertz has been disappointing in the middle since his arrival, and Arsenal’s midfield struggles mean that they are remarkably 15th in the Premier League for big chances created.

Andre can play both as a defensive midfielder and further forward, and could either be the perfect foil for Declan Rice to push further forward, or he himself can roam higher up the pitch and link the attack with the midfield.

At £26m, the 22-year-old could be a bargain option to both settle in immediately, as well as being a long-term part of the squad to replace the ageing Partey and Jorginho.