Flamengo chief sends Arsenal and Newcastle warning about £30m Matheus Franca

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Brazilian wonderkid Matheus Franca is ‘not for sale’ this month amid links with Premier League trio Newcastle, Arsenal and Crystal Palace, Flamengo’s vice president Marcos Braz tells Vene Casagrande. 

The Copa Libertadores holders will be under no illusions. Brazil U20 international Franca will to follow in the footsteps of Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo Goes, Gabriel Martinelli, Endrick de Souza and co at some point in the near future.  

But, with Flamengo hoping to defend their Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brazil crowns in 2023, there remains an insistence that 18-year-old Franca will be staying at the Maracana for another 12 months. 

“We do not put Matheus Franca up for sale. He is not for sale,” says a bullish Braz. “We are not interested negotiating for Matheus Franca at this moment.” 

Newcastle, Arsenal and Crystal Palace like Flamengo wonderkid Matheus Franca

According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle United offered £14 million for Franca during the January transfer window. The tricky teen is the epitome of the kind of exciting, up-and-coming, superstar-in-waiting Newcastle hoping to lure to St James’ Park; a la Ivan Fresneda and Eguinaldo. 

The Chronicle believe that Flamengo want closer to £30 million, however, having previously made now-Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr one of the most expensive teenagers in world football. Franca also has admirers at Arsenal, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Crystal Palace (Daily Mail). 

Fortunately for Flamengo, Franca appears to share Braz’s belief that he’ll benefit from a full season of first-team football.

“I’m focused on Flamengo,” Franca said recently. “My season will be here.”  

Franca ‘not for sale’

While brimming with potential, Franca is not yet a regular starter at the Maracana. His four goals in 2022 came in just seven Serie A starts. And, with plenty of time on his side, Franca has no need to rush his development.

“Franca is an attacking midfielder. There is a real talent there,” South American expert Tim Vickery tells Sky Sports. “He’s strong on the ball and he’s got a lovely dip of the shoulder.”  

“It’s hard for Matheus Franca to get a game when (Flamengo are) at full strength. So, I think Flamengo would be open to selling him. But they want money.”