Arsenal are interested in signing Palmeiras defender Vitor Reis, according to The Athletic reporter James McNicholas.

The journalist, writing alongside Mario Cortegana, says that the Gunners have gone as far as making “initial enquiries”, initiating contact with his club and the player’s agents.

Reis does have plenty of other suitors, though, with Chelsea, Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid also considering moves for the teenager.

Palmeiras are reluctant to lose the centre-back, and they are in a strong position, with the player having signed a new deal at the start of August.

The release clause in Reis’s contract is said to be €100m (£83m), so Arsenal and other interested clubs may have a hard time negotiating down his price.

What do Arsenal fans need to know about the player?

Reis has caught the eye whilst captaining his country at Under 17 level. He helped Brazil win the South American Championships last year before his team reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

The defender subsequently made his senior debut for Palmeiras in late June, coming on as a substitute during a 3-0 defeat to Fortaleza. He has gone on to make 13 starts for the first team.

Real will present the biggest threat in the battle for Reis

It looks like the European champions are likely to be Arsenal’s main competitor in the race for the Brazilian’s signature.

After missing out on Leny Yoro to Manchester United, Real are keen to reinforce their options at the back with another young defender.

Having had dealings with Palmeiras recently to secure the signing of Endrick, the La Liga side are in a good position to get a deal over the line for Reis.

With Arsenal already having four senior centre-backs in their squad, Mikel Arteta’s side may also find it hard to persuade the player that a move to the Emirates is the right one for him.