The Premier League transfer market never rests, and the latest name catching the eye of some of England’s top clubs is 18-year-old Joao Pedro Chermont. The young right-back from Santos has become one of the hottest prospects in Brazilian football, with both Arsenal and Chelsea reportedly preparing to launch opening bids. As CaughtOffside revealed, “Sources with a close understanding of the situation have informed CaughtOffside that both Arsenal and Chelsea are preparing to make opening bids for the Brazilian starlet, with the two London clubs having already engaged in discussions with Chermont’s inner circle.”
Chermont, currently playing for Santos, has shown remarkable promise in recent seasons, prompting attention from across Europe. Although Santos have slapped a £58 million release clause on him, the club’s financial troubles mean they may entertain offers below that figure, making Chermont an even more attractive target for cash-rich clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea.
Arsenal’s Advantage in the Pursuit
From a footballing perspective, Arsenal may offer a more appealing option for Chermont. Mikel Arteta’s side have shown great progress in recent seasons, especially after narrowly missing out on the Premier League title last year. With the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and William Saliba developing into world-class talents under Arteta’s guidance, Arsenal’s project looks like an enticing environment for a young player like Chermont to thrive.
Furthermore, Arsenal’s strategy of signing young, versatile players has worked wonders, allowing them to compete at the highest level. Chermont could see this as the perfect opportunity to join a club that is on the rise, potentially fighting for domestic and European honours in the near future. However, the competition for places at Arsenal, particularly in defence, could pose a challenge for the Brazilian teenager.
Chelsea’s Youth Focus and Development Opportunity
On the other side, Chelsea may offer Chermont a faster route to regular first-team football. The Blues have gone through a period of upheaval in recent seasons, but one constant under their ownership has been the focus on recruiting young talent. The likes of Levi Colwill, Malo Gusto, and Ian Maatsen are part of a new generation being integrated into the first team.
Despite the challenges Chelsea have faced in recent campaigns, they remain a club that offers significant opportunities to their younger players. Chermont could see this as an ideal place to develop, especially with Chelsea’s commitment to giving youth a chance under Mauricio Pochettino. However, the uncertainty surrounding Chelsea’s long-term project may weigh on Chermont’s decision.
European Giants Watching Closely
It’s not just Premier League clubs vying for Chermont’s signature. According to CaughtOffside, both Real Madrid and Barcelona are also keeping tabs on the Brazilian sensation. The allure of playing for one of La Liga’s giants could prove irresistible for any young footballer, but as it stands, Arsenal and Chelsea are the frontrunners for his signature.
For Chermont, choosing between these options could shape the next stage of his career. Joining a Premier League club like Arsenal or Chelsea would undoubtedly provide him with the opportunity to showcase his talents in the world’s most competitive league. At the same time, the prospect of playing in Spain’s top flight could offer him the chance to learn from some of the world’s best and most prestigious football institutions.
Financial Challenges at Santos
Santos’ financial difficulties make Chermont’s transfer all the more likely. The club has struggled to keep hold of its top talents in recent years, and a big-money offer from either Arsenal or Chelsea could ease their financial woes. For both clubs, securing a deal for Chermont below his release clause represents an attractive opportunity to snap up a player who is still in the early stages of his career but has the potential to develop into a world-class right-back.
Chermont’s decision will likely depend on several factors, including his long-term development, the promise of regular first-team football, and the allure of playing for one of Europe’s top clubs.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
The prospect of securing a player like Joao Pedro Chermont is an exciting one. For Arsenal, Chermont represents the continuation of the club’s philosophy of nurturing young talent under Arteta. The club has been successful in integrating promising players into the first team, and Chermont could be the latest addition to this approach. His defensive versatility could provide crucial cover in key areas, especially with the club competing on multiple fronts.
Chelsea, meanwhile, may view Chermont’s potential signing as a vital part of their ongoing rebuild. The club has placed a heavy emphasis on bringing through young players, and Chermont fits the mould of the type of player that could thrive under a manager like Pochettino. With the right development, Chermont could quickly establish himself as a key player in Chelsea’s long-term plans.
Ultimately, both sets of fans will be eager to see how the transfer saga unfolds, with each club offering a different path for the Brazilian starlet.
