Report: Arsenal in talks over 19-year-old who's been likened to Konate

Arsenal have been in talks over Corinthians and Brazil Under-20s defender Robert Renan, according to Goal.com.

The Gunners have struck gold over the last few years in terms of signing talented youngsters with great potential.

Two of those, Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba, are now first-team regulars at Arsenal.

Marquinhos has also impressed since joining the Gunners this season, with so much more to come.

Now, Arsenal have apparently been working towards signing Renan, but they’re one of several clubs in pursuit.

As well as the Gunners, the likes of Chelsea and Zenit Saint-Petersburg are apparently hoping to land Renan.

Goal.com report that the teenager has a €50m (£44m) release clause.

Arsenal target Renan – factfile

Renan has come through the ranks at Corinthians and has made seven senior appearances for the club.

While this seems low, manager Vitor Pereira said that he wished he had trusted the 19-year-old sooner (football.london).

The Corinthians boss also lauded Renan after he came off the bench to set up a goal in the 4-0 Copa do Brazil win over Santos.

“Robert, as soon as he entered the game, played a pass between lines. One of the most difficult passes to producem” he told Central Do Timao.

“This shows his confidence and quality. He has to grow but he has potential.

“He’s a player who will fly to other levels, without a doubt. He is fast, he is technical and he has personality.”

Renan has also impressed for Brazil at Under-18 and Under-20 level.

On Twitter, fans have compared him to William Saliba and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate.

Arsenal have shown over the years that they’re superb at identifying future stars and turning them into top players.

Fingers crossed they’ll get Renan to the Emirates and repeat what they did with Martinelli and Saliba.