According to reports in Brazil, Newcastle have reignited their interest in Matheus Franca and look set to launch an improved bid for the Flamengo star who was heavily linked in January.
This comes from Julio Miguel Neto – a Brazilian journalist who also presents Rubro News; a channel dedicated to to the Rio-based club, Flamengo.
Neto reports that we previously signalled our intention to pay no more than €20m, but are now preparing an offer of €22.5m and hope a compromise can be reached after refusing to pay the teenager’s €25m asking price earlier this year.
Interestingly, Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte revealed in February that our €20m was rejected by Flamengo in January. However, the same report highlighted our intention to revisit a deal this summer. Based on today’s claims coming from South American, it seems we have reignited our interest in the 19-year-old talent.
Fabrizio Romano has previously reported on our €20m bid and revealed last month that Arsenal had now entered the race for the versatile attacker, with Crystal Palace also linked.
Franca can operate as an attacking midfielder, winger or second striker. He’s bagged nine goals in 53 senior appearances for Flamengo and is a Brazil youth international standing 6ft tall. One to watch?
