Newcastle transfer news: Flamengo set Franca price as Arsenal join race

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Arsenal have now joined Newcastle United in the transfer race for Flamengo gem Matheus Franca. But his Brazilian Serie A side want double what the Toon have bid to sell in January.

That is according to Chronicle Live, which reports Newcastle have held talks with Flamengo about a £14m transfer for Franca. But the Rubro-Negro told the Magpies they must double their offer if they want a deal. The Maracana natives have also told Arsenal their demands.

Both Arsenal and Newcastle now hold an interest in coaxing the 18-year-old to the Premier League this month. But Flamengo have Franca under contract until 2027 and know that he is a long-term target of Real Madrid and Lyon. Both clubs could also bid more in the future.

So, Flamengo will now demand that Arsenal or Newcastle pay £28m if they want to secure a transfer for Franca. Their valuation will come as a huge blow for Toon coach Eddie Howe after his side formalised their interest. Fabrizio Romano first cited their €16m (£14m) bid.

Furthermore, Newcastle’s offer for Franca was the St James’ Park club’s latest proposal for the Brazil U20 international. But they were already far from alone in the race before Lyon turned their eye to the Maracana and Real Madrid also sent their scouts to Rio de Janeiro.

Arsenal and Newcastle are among the teams eying Franca’s transfer from Flamengo

Arsenal are just the latest suitor to emerge in the race for Franca’s transfer from Flamengo and to rival Newcastle. The Daily Mail reported back in November that Crystal Palace were taking an interest in a move. It also noted interest from Manchester City and Real Madrid.

It further noted that Franca has a €100m (£88m) release clause in his long-term contract at the Maracana. The fee is the largest release clause in the Rubro-Negro’s history, even if it is optimistic. While 90min notes Flamengo have rejected a £12m bid by Bayer Leverkusen.

Clubs are lining up at Franca’s door despite him only playing 28 senior games for his Rio de Janerio outfit. The attacking midfielder has attracted a wealth of elite suitors after scoring seven goals. Tim Vickery has also described him as a ‘real talent’ and ‘one for the future’.