In a recent report, Tutto Juve revealed that Arsenal are facing tough competition for Sao Paulo defender Lucas Beraldo. It has been stated that the Gunners will have to rival Liverpool and Juventus in the race to land the Brazilian centre-back.
Beraldo’s Impressive Rise In Brazilian Football
Beraldo has already made himself into a first-team starter at the Brazilian club and has managed to put in a few influential displays at the heart of their defence. The 20-year-old has already made 52 appearances for Sao Paulo this season across all competitions.
The gifted youngster has been a dominant presence when defending inside his half based on his average of 1.2 tackles, 1.0 interceptions and 3.5 clearances per 90 minutes in the Brasileirao. He has even been accurate when distributing possession from the back as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 88.7% in the Brazilian top tier (stats via whoscored).
Beraldo’s current contract at the Brazilian club will expire at the end of 2028. Therefore, it won’t be easy for the Gunners to win the race for his services this January or at the end of this season.
Should Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta Snap Beraldo Up?
Beraldo can get stuck in with a few solid tackles to make life difficult for the opposition attackers. He usually times his challenges well to earn possession back for his team inside his half. The Brazilian sensation doesn’t hesitate to put his foot through the ball when needed and excels at playing his way out from the back. He mainly functions as a central defender but can also fill in as a defensive midfielder if asked to do so.
We can expect Beraldo to enhance the quality of Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta‘s defensive department for the long run. He is already good enough to challenge for a regular spot at the North London club.
At 20, Beraldo has the potential to become a future star in European football. Hence, the Gunners should try everything they can to snap him up in the upcoming January transfer window. However, there are some question marks over whether Beraldo can adapt to the physical side and high intensity of Premier League football if Arteta manage to lure him to the Emirates Stadium in 2024.
