Fluminense president Mario Bittencourt admits Andre Trindade may leave in January for a ‘stratospheric’ offer amid Arsenal and Liverpool showing interest in his transfer.
Bittencourt is preparing to field enquiries for the 22-year-old in the upcoming market having convinced Andre to stay this season. He persuaded the defensive midfielder to remain at the Maracana to win the Copa Libertadores, which they beat Boca Juniors 2-1 to lift on Saturday.
Andre only agreed to support Fluminense’s pursuit of the Libertadores with the potential to leave the Tricolor in 2024. Bittencourt adds that no club has yet submitted a ‘concrete offer’ for his signature. But Arsenal and Liverpool have shown interest in luring Andre to England.
Arsenal want to rival Liverpool for Andre’s transfer
Reports by Brazilian journalist Thiago Ferreira in October suggested that Arsenal aim to rival Liverpool for Andre’s transfer from Fluminense. The Gunners are exploring several names in South America and appreciate the midfielder. But the Reds are long-term admirers of Andre.
Liverpool very much have Andre on their radar for a mid-season transfer having explored his services during the summer, too, per TEAMtalk. Fluminense refused to sell due to their Copa Libertadores campaign at the time. But Anfield chiefs like his potential a lot, so will try again.
Bittencourt admits Andre could leave Fluminense
Bittencourt has surely now given Liverpool, and Arsenal, hope of signing Andre by admitting he could leave Fluminense in January. But it will take a huge offer to convince the Tricolor to sell their academy product. The anchor has spent his entire career to date with the one club.
“We are waiting,” Bittencourt admits, via Globo. “Today, there is no concrete proposal for Andre. But we are sure that after the [Club] World Cup – he will play in the World Cup – a stratospheric proposal will arrive. It could be the biggest sale in the club’s history.”
Gerson currently has the honour of Fluminense’s record sale after joining Roma for €16.5m (£14.5m) in 2016. His transfer eclipses the £11.5m fee Watford paid to sign Richarlison one year later. So, Arsenal and Liverpool might expect an asking price of up to £15m for Andre.
A strong effort over the Club World Cup may also see Fluminense hold out for ‘stratospheric’ offers for Andre. The Tricolor start their tournament on December 18 after winning the Copa Libertadores. Andre featured in all 13 of their ties and has played 53 times throughout 2023.
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