Internacional have ‘no interest’ in selling Yuri Alberto this summer amid long-standing interest from Premier League giants Arsenal, president Alessandro Barcellos told Revista Colorado.
Two years after snapping up a little-known 17-year-old by the name of Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal are looking to repeat the trick with another Samba starlet.
According to Globo Esporte, Arsenal have been watching the talented Alberto since as far back as 2017.
During the last four years, the Brazil U23 international has swapped Santos for Internacional, making his senior debut before blossoming into one of the hottest striking prospects on the continent.
Alberto scored 10 goals in 23 Serie A appearances during the 2020 season; his searing pace, aerial presence and ruthless finishing skills meaning that a big-money move across the Atlantic feels like only a matter of time.
Convincing Internacional to cash in will be easier said than done, however.
Will Arsenal miss out on Yuri Alberto?
“Yuri Alberto is an important asset of the club,” said president Barcellos.
“Internacional has no interest in getting rid of this player for amounts that do not represent his value.
“He is a very important player for us right now, a player who has been showing results on the field and who will score goals again. A player who has a promising future ahead.
“We will deal with (his future) as soon as offers officially arrive. We will assess whether it’s good for the club, if it’s good for the player, if it’s good for everyone. Otherwise, he is integrated here and has a contract for another four years.”
Globo Esporte believe that Internacional will demand a fee in the region of £15 million for Alberto.
A bid of around £7 million has been lodged by an unknown European club, but those mystery suitors will have to double that offer if they are serious about snapping up the 20-year-old poacher.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
