Arsenal want to strengthen their for the 2025-26 season to reach their break point of second place saturation so they have their eye set on Lille star, Alexsandro Ribeiro. The Brazilian defender had an breakout campaign for the Ligue 1 side, announcing his defensive efficiency. He has more recently made his debut for the Brazilian national team, solidifying his place in the conversation for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Alexsandro’s journey to the top has been anything but conventional. After failing to secure a professional contract in Brazil, he moved to Portugal’s third division, playing for Praiense and Amora before helping Chaves earn promotion to the Primeira Liga. His performances caught Lille’s eye, and in 2022, they signed him for just €2 million—a bargain for a player now valued at around £17-26 million.
Alexsandro Ribeiro. Ambipedal. LCB and RCB. 6’3”. Lille. 25 years old. 🇧🇷
Linked with Arsenal today. ✨
He would be a brilliant signing. 🤝
🎥 @PauloAnalistas. pic.twitter.com/5TlphkLDNw
Last season at Lille, Alexsandro was managed by Bruno Genesio, and cemented his place as Lille’s most reliable defender. Lille managed to keep 10 clean sheets in Ligue 1 last season, and Alexsandro 71% of his aerial duels and 58% of duels on the ground. Alecsandro controls the ball exceptionally, is two footed, and generally fits with Arteta’s ball possession model.
Arsenal scouts were reportedly present during Brazil’s recent World Cup qualifiers where they set their eye on Lille star Alexsandro. He impressed in the draw against Ecuador and Paraguay. His performances includes a flawless display against Ecuador. Moreover, he won all five of his duels which cemented his reputation as a rising star.
The Gunners have already made initial contact with Lille, leveraging their strong relationship with the French club, which previously facilitated deals for Nicolas Pépé and Gabriel Magalhães . However, Napoli, managed by Antonio Conte, are also keen, setting the stage for a potential bidding war.
While Arsenal’s defense was among the Premier League’s best last season, depth remains a concern. akub Kiwior could be on his way out for more regular minutes with Oleksandr Zinchenko’s future unclear. Alexsandro could play either as a centre-back or left-back giving Arteta room to maneuver across his squad.
Arsenal have made initial contact and are monitoring Alexsandro Ribeiro from Lille 🇧🇷https://t.co/QDHnNsaX5b pic.twitter.com/lMhBGEKIGy
Alexsandro is friends with Gabriel who is also Brazilian and a former Lille defender. This should help him with the transition. The two recently reunited during international duty, with Gabriel even posting a photo of them together on social media. A subtle hint that Arsenal’s squad might be welcoming another Brazilian soon.
Some critics argue that Arsenal’s focus should be on bolstering their attack. Moreover, they should dig particularly with the need for a marquee winger and striker. However, with William Saliba occasionally linked to Real Madrid and the demands of a long season ahead, adding a player of Alexsandro’s caliber could be a shrewd move.
Lille president Olivier Létang will have the final say on Alexsandro’s future. The player himself has remained diplomatic, stating, “I am calm and not in any rush to leave” . Despite this, the fact that Arsenal have Champions League football and Lille have only Europa League football is a point of difference. This may have some bearing on Alexsandro’s decision.
With Napoli circling and Arsenal’s hierarchy keen to bring in deals aggressively early, this transfer story could develop very quickly. If the Gunners succeed, Alexsandro might just follow in Gabriel’s footsteps as the next Lille defender to shine in North London.
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