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Arsenal eyeing Brazilian Defender Douglas Mendes

By on March 12, 2024

Douglas Mendes RB Salzburg

According to Football Transfers, Arsenal is closely monitoring RB Salzburg defender Douglas Mendes.

Mendes rose to prominence at Ponte Preta before signing with Red Bull Bragantino. He didn’t stay at Bragantino for very long because their sister club, Red Bull Salzburg, liked his performances and decided to sign him in 2022.

At Salzburg, he has yet to make his senior debut. However, he has had a loan spell with Austrian top-tier team FC Liefering. In January, Salzburg decided to loan him back to Bragantino for the 2024 season.

At the Brazilian club, the defender has only made five appearances. It’s safe to argue that his abilities haven’t been fully appreciated at the club level. He, however, has gained prominence on the international stage, having shined with Brazil in the Under-20 South American Championship.

He also represented Brazil at the Under-20 World Cup in 2023. Brazil lost to Israel 3-2 after extra time. He played the entire 120 minutes of that game, showing his reliability.

Mendes to Arsenal

Arsenal have expressed interest in the 19-year-old. With their Brazilian sporting director, Edu, the North Londoners have been keeping an eye on the South American market, hoping to find the next big talent.

If Mendes has caught Arsenal scouts’ attention, he must be remarkable. Signing the defender may be easier financially, but the player does not meet the experience requirement for a UK work permit.

This could change if he receives more playing time on loan at Bragantino between now and the summer. Mendes might hope to follow in the footsteps of Gabriel Martinelli and become the next Brazilian to make it at Arsenal.

When Martinelli was signed, little was known about him; he was simply another Brazilian playing in the fourth division for the little-known team Ituano. Many considered paying £6 million for him as a risk, but it ultimately paid off. In 118 PL games, the Brazilian winger has scored 32 goals and provided 16 assists.

The Arsenal defense has been one of the strongest in Europe this season but Arteta knows he needs to keep looking ahead to the future and further strengthening the squad. That could mean Arsenal target a swoop for Douglas Mendes this summer.