Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly vying for the signature of Joao Pedro Chermont.
The 18-year-old defender has recently been linked with a move to the Premier League following his outstanding performances for Santos in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie B.
Chermont, who sees his contract at the Urbano Caldeira Stadium expire in December 2027, has enjoyed an excellent vein of form in the second tier of Brazilian football, becoming a mainstay in Neymar’s former side.He’s featured 24 times, scoring two goals and providing three assists as they chase promotion back into the top flight.
According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal and Chelsea are among several Premier League clubs ‘closely monitoring’ the Brazil Under-20 international’s development ahead of the January transfer window.
The report states that the Gunners and the Blues are preparing to make bids for Chermont, having already opened initial talks with his entourage.
CaughtOffside adds that scouts have been spotted watching the teenager recently, and he’s clearly made a good impression.
Chermont has a €70m (£58.8m) release clause in his deal, but it’s said that Santos are now ‘open to offers’ below said fee.
Real Madrid and Barcelona have also been credited with interest in the right-back. While Chelsea may be keen to secure Chermont’s signature, Reece James could soon return from the treatment room after suffering a hamstring injury earlier this season.
The 24-year-old defender missed the start of the new campaign after he was shown a red card in the penultimate game of last term.
Then, just as James looked set to come back, he picked up another knock
