Arsenal have just fired the first major shot of the summer transfer window — and it’s aimed straight at South America.
According to Brazilian outlet RTI Esporte, the Gunners have already lodged an opening bid for Corinthians right-back Matheuzinho, only for it to be rejected. But far from backing down, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is said to be “firmly considering” the 25-year-old and is ready to return with a significantly improved offer in the coming days.
That’s not just transfer talk. That’s a €100 million bombshell.
Matheuzinho’s release clause sits at a colossal €100m (£87.5m) for any club outside Brazil. Inside Brazil it drops to €50m, but European clubs must cough up the full amount to activate it. Arsenal’s opening bid clearly didn’t reach those dizzy heights — yet the mere fact they’ve entered the race for a player with that price tag has sent shockwaves through the market.
And this move isn’t coming out of nowhere.
Ben White has made it crystal clear he’s unhappy spending large parts of the season on the bench while Jurrien Timber has taken the starting spot at right-back. The England international has been linked with exits to Everton and Newcastle United, and if White leaves, Arsenal simply must find a high-quality replacement.
Enter Matheuzinho.
The former Brazil U20 international has established himself as one of the standout full-backs on the entire South American continent. Explosive in attack, solid defensively, and blessed with that Brazilian flair that makes fans fall in love instantly. Arsenal have been monitoring him closely since last season, and Berta clearly sees him as the perfect long-term solution on the right flank.
Yes, he lacks European experience. Yes, his contract runs until December 2028 and Corinthians are working on a new deal with a pay rise. But none of that has deterred Arsenal.
This is Mikel Arteta’s squad — a team built on intensity, set-piece dominance, and relentless pressing. A right-back who can bomb forward, deliver dangerous crosses, and cause chaos from throw-ins (hello, long-throw merchants) fits the profile perfectly.
Of course, Arsenal have other options on the radar. Newcastle’s Tino Livramento would cost £70-80m. Brentford’s Michael Kayode is Premier League-proven with that trademark long throw. Sporting CP’s Ivan Fresneda remains a wildcard with huge upside — especially after Arsenal’s successful Gyokeres deal with the same club last summer.
But none of those names carry the same “wow” factor as dropping serious money on a Brazilian superstar with a €100m price tag.
This isn’t just about signing a right-back. This is Arsenal announcing they are ready to spend big, think bold, and compete at the very highest level once again.
If Berta can pull this off — or even force Corinthians into serious negotiations — it signals a new era at the Emirates. The kind of ambition that turns good teams into great ones.
The summer window has only just begun… and Arsenal have already dropped the biggest bomb of all.
This changes EVERYTHING.