The favorites to capture Brazil international Andre Trindade from Fluminense are Arsenal above Premier League rivals Liverpool.
The 22-year-old made his senior debut for Brazil earlier this year as a result of his recent Fluminense performances, and Liverpool had him on their radar during the summer transfer window.
The defensive midfielder was allegedly considered as Fabinho’s replacement, but Fluminense wouldn’t allow him to move while the Copa Libertadores is still playing on this year. Next month, they will play Boca Juniors in the championship final.
Martio Bittencourt, the president of Fluminense, recently disclosed that Liverpool has been in “contact” with them about Andre, but he was eager to push back negotiations “until December.”
“I was contacted directly by Billy Hogan, the Chief Executive of Liverpool,” Bittencourt told ESPN Brasil. “My friend, I don’t sell players anymore, and I don’t deliver them anymore,” I shot back at him. We can discuss if you would like to purchase now and receive the player just in January. Or we can talk in December if you’d rather wait until then.
“We have an agreement with the player and his agent that he will stay until [Andre’s] end of the year,” he continued.
“They [agent and player] have complied completely and with the highest level of comfort. Fluminense communicates with all incoming interests.
Arsenal, who this season has already come back from behind five times, has just entered the competition to sign Andre, who Fluminense apparently values at about €40 million.
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Now that Andre is at Arsenal, according to former Premier League forward Gabby Agbonlahor, they are a “more attractive option” than Liverpool.
For someone like Andre, I think Arsenal is a more appealing alternative, Agbonlahor told Football Insider. They are better in the league and are playing football in the Champions League.
Another important feature is that they are based in London. I think Arsenal is more appealing right now.
“With great players joining, the manager is creating something special, and I believe more and more elite players will select Arsenal.”
Arsenal may increase their interest in Andre “if they are able to move first-teamers on in January,” according to a recent “hijack reveal” from Football Insider.
They go on: “It’s said that players like Thomas Partey and Jorginho are being watched and may be traded during the mid-season window.”
“If either player leaves, Arsenal may face competition from Liverpool for Andre’s signature, but exits must be approved before Mikel Arteta’s team can move.”
