Arsenal told main threat to sign ‘quick’ £35m target is not Liverpool or Man Utd

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Arsenal must fend off rival interest from Fulham to seal a transfer for Fluminense ace Andre Trindade in January with Liverpool and Manchester United now falling behind.

That is according to the Evening Standard, which reports that Fulham are now becoming the front-runners to sign Andre. The Cottagers have edged in front of Manchester United for his signature whilst talks progress with Fluminense. Liverpool are also focusing on other targets.

Andre has featured prominently on Jurgen Klopp’s shopping list at Anfield but the Reds view defensive reinforcements as a priority. Manchester United also appreciate the 22-year-old’s potential benefits. But the Red Devils have only made enquiries into his possible availability.

Fulham are pulling clear of Liverpool and Manchester United for Andre

Fulham, though, are advancing with their interest in Andre and have held face-to-face talks with Fluminense about his transfer. The Cottagers’ chief executive, Alistair Mackintosh, flew to Brazil last week to speak to the Tricolor. Marco Silva will also have a big budget in January.

Craven Cottage chiefs are primed to back Silva in the winter window after he signed a new contract until 2026. And Andre is one of their leading targets with Mackintosh negotiating a £30m transfer. He also watched the midfielder as Fluminense sealed the Copa Libertadores.

Scouts working for Arsenal also attended their Copa Libertadores final with Boca Juniors this month. Globo claimed earlier this month that the Gunners had eyes on Andre as he inspired their 2-1 win after extra time. It was one of the midfielder’s 56 appearances so far this year.

Arteta is driving Arsenal’s interest in Andre’s transfer from Fluminense

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is the source of the Gunners’ interest in Andre’s transfer from Flumininese. Further reports by talkSPORT add that the Spaniard has urged his club’s scouts to keep tabs on the midfielder. It also noted that Tottenham Hotspur might target his switch.

But teams wanting to secure Andre’s transfer could face paying more than the £30m Fulham and Fluminense are currently negotiating. Football Transfers, which has claimed Manchester United see Andre as a successor for Casemiro, adds the Tricolor want €30-40m (£26-35m).

Andre having interest at Arsenal, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham will only support Fluminense’s valuation, too. They are likely all keen as Tim Vickery notes he is ‘quick’ and constantly acts as the glue holding the Tricolor together as their central anchor.