Arsenal hold initial talks to sign Brazil star Alexsandro

Brazil defender Alexsandrois on Arsenal’s radar (Reuters)

Arsenal have made an initial approach for Lille centre-back Alexsandro, according to reports in Brazil.

The 25-year-old has one of the standout defenders in Ligue 1 this season and was rewarded with his first senior call-up for Brazil’s national side by Carlo Ancelotti last month.

Alexsandro continued his impressive form for Brazil as he delivered two solid performances in the goalless draw against Ecuador last week and in the 1-0 win against Paraguay on Tuesday night.

According to UOL, Arsenal had scouts in the stands at the Neo Quimica Arena on Tuesday to watch Alexsandro and have made ‘initial contact’ for the defender.

The report adds that Serie A champions Napoli have also made an approach for the Brazilian.

Alexsandro delivered two impressive performances for Brazil in the last week (Reuters)

Speaking about his future this week, Alexsandro said: ‘It depends on [Lille] president [Olivier] Letang. You’d have to ask him.

‘I am calm and not in any rush to leave. He will decide my future.’

In an interview at the end of the season after Lille finished fifth in Ligue 1 to secure a place in the Europa League, Alexsandro made it clear how much he has been helped by Lille head coach Bruno Genesio.

‘He helps me a lot off the pitch too. We talk a lot together. He tries to understand me,’ Alexsandro told BeFootball.

‘That’s something that helps me a lot on the pitch. He talks to every player, every week. Whether there’s a need or not, he comes and talks with you. If he feels like he sees you a little sad, he also comes and tries to understand what’s going on.

‘I love him very much and I wish him many good things because he deserves it. He has a good heart. He is a great coach.

‘I hope that next year we can work together and that we can, once again, achieve great things.’

Alexsandro has had an unorthodox career path as he failed to secure a professional contract in Brazil and ended up joining Praiense, who were playing in the Portuguese third tier.

He then joined fellow Portuguese third-division side Amora for one season before he moved again to Chaves in the second division where he helped them gain promotion to the top flight.

Lille had seen enough and agreed a €2 million (£1.72m) deal with Chaves to sign Alexsandro in July 2022.

Tuesday night’s game for Brazil was the first time Alexsandro had played in a professional match in his home country.

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