Arsenal are interested in signing Boca Juniors goalkeeper Leandro Brey, according to Bocanoticias.com.
The Argentinian website claims that Boca “fear” the Gunners will trigger the release “clause” in the 21-year-old’s contract.
It is not revealed what the exact fee required is but Boca are said to be concerned that they could lose another prized “gem” from their academy, having already seen Valentin Barco sign for Brighton.
The Seagulls paid $10m (£8m) for the wingback during the January transfer window and it is unlikely the Brey would cost any more than that figure.
What do fans need to know about Brey?
The Argentine made his senior debut for Boca back in April 2022. He came on as a half-time substitute for first-choice keeper Agustin Rossi during a Copa Libertadores group stage match against FC Always Ready.
However, Brey had to wait the best part of two years to get his second appearance, which came in the league game against Racing Club last week after veteran shot-stopper Javier Garcia suffered a hand injury. He subsequently made his first start on Monday versus Estudiantes.
At international level, Brey has already been given 11 caps for Argentina’s Under 23 side. He featured in the Pre-Olympic Commebol tournament at the start of this year, and he is expected to be in the squad for the Paris Games this summer.
Could he be Arsenal’s replacement for Ramsdale?
Aaron Ramsdale is expected to leave the Emirates at the end of the season in the search for first-team football. The 25-year-old lost his place after David Raya’s arrival last year.
With Raya set to join the Gunners on a permanent basis from Brentford, Ramsdale will press for a move. With that being the case, a replacement will be needed. From the looks of things, Mikel Arteta’s side are considering Brey, despite his lack of experience.