Arsenal have reportedly initiated the first steps to land Lille centre-back Alexsandro. The 25-year-old has been with the Ligue 1 side since arriving from Chaves in the summer of 2022.
In 122 appearances across competitions, Alexsandro has contributed five goals and two assists. One of those goals and both assists came in 47 games across competitions in the recently concluded 2024-25 campaign, including a goal and an assist in 30 games in Ligue 1, where Bruno Genesio’s side finished fifth.
Despite being contracted to the Stadio Pierre Mauroy till 2028, the Brazil international has attracted interest from the Gunners. As per UOL (via Metro), Arsenal scouts were at the Neo Quimica Arena in Sao Paulo for Brazil’s 1-0 home win over Paraguay in midweek in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The report also mentions that Serie A champions Napoli are also in the fray for Alexsandro’s services. Earlier this week, when asked about his Lille future, the player had said:
While Lille qualified for the UEFA Europa League next season, a move to Arsenal would give Alexsandro UEFA Champions League action.
Lille defender Alexsandro waxed lyrical about his club boss Bruno Genesio for his development. The former Olympique Lyon midfielder arrived at the Stadio Pierre Mauroy helm last summer, succeeding Paulo Fonseca.
Having enjoyed one of his best seasons at the club under Genesio, Alexsandro was all praise for the coach as he told BeFootball (via Metro) at the end of the 2024-25 season:
The Arsenal target added:
Alexsandro made his senior Brazil debut this month, helping keep two clean sheets as Carlo Ancelotti’s side drew goalless at Ecuador before beating Paraguay at home five days later.
Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.
Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.
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