Arsenal to fight Real Madrid for transfer of Brazilian wonderkid Reinier who Flamengo coach confirms will be sold

ARSENAL are set to fight Real Madrid for the services of Brazilian wonderkid Reinier.

The 17-year-old midfielder's Flamengo boss all but confirmed he is to leave the club in this window.

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Jorge Jesus, who oversaw the Club World Cup final defeat to Liverpool, told : "I launched three players (at Flamengo), one at 17, one at 18 and one at 19.

"The 17-year-old will be sold to one of Europe's biggest teams now for several million euros."

The only 17-year-old to have a chance in Flamengo's first team is Reinier.

He has previously been likened to Vinicius Jr, the 19-year-old Brazilian forward currently at the Bernabeu.

Reinier sparked more talk he could leave when he posted then quickly deleted a message that read, "I will miss you"; on his official Twitter account.

EDU'S INFLUENCE

The influence of Edu - Arsenal's technical director from Brazil - is said to be appealing to Reinier.

But the lure of Real Madrid is massive and they can guarantee the teenager Champions League football and a challenge for La Liga.

Italian giants AC Milan are also rumoured to have been monitoring his progress.

Reinier - who specialises as an attacking midfielder - signed a new Flamengo contract earlier this year that keeps him at the club until 2024.

His contribution to the side has been invaluable and in 15 appearances in 2019 he scored six goals.

SunSport told you last month how Arsenal were said to have got in touch with Reinier's dad.

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A host of Champions League sides including PSG, Manchester City, and Juventus have all been linked with the star.

And it is also believed Everton held talks with the player over a potential January move.

But Arsenal are hoping their summer signing of Brazilian 18-year-old Gabriel Martinelli could encourage Reinier to favour a switch to the Emirates.