Arsenal monitor Atlético Mineiro’s Alisson Santana | OneFootball

Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte has revealed that Arsenal, Fulham, and Newcastle United are monitoring the development of Atlético Mineiro‘s rising 18-year-old star, Alisson Santana.

His recent contract renewal, featuring a significant release clause, suggests the club is anticipating heightened interest from European teams.

Globo Esporte reports that Atlético Mineiro have tied Alisson Santana to a contract running until 2027. This new deal includes a substantial €60m release clause, indicating the club expects significant bids for the player in the future. It seems this protection is warranted, as Arsenal, Fulham, Newcastle, Bayer Leverkusen, and PSV are all said to be “monitoring” the player.

Despite his limited senior appearances (only nine so far, with one goal and one assist), Santana has captured the imagination of scouts due to his remarkable performances in Atlético‘s youth ranks. At this point, there’s no confirmation that Arsenal, Fulham, Newcastle, or any other interested parties have initiated formal transfer negotiations.

However, his first professional year will likely be closely observed to gauge his suitability for European football’s top leagues.

Alisson Santana: From Brazil’s youth leagues to European interest

At just 18 years old, Atlético Mineiro‘s attacking talent Alisson Santana is attracting serious attention from the European football elite. Let’s take a closer look at his journey thus far.

A talent discovered

Santana’s promise was evident from the start. Coach Adriano Martins, then a professional at Atlético-MG, spotted him during competitions in southern Brazil. Shortly after, Santana joined Atlético Mineiro, but the pandemic delayed his senior debut until 2021. That didn’t stop him from shining; despite the challenging circumstances, he became the Minas Gerais under-17 champion that same year.

Prolific and persistent

In 2022, Santana cemented his place as a starter for the under-17 team and finished as Galo’s top scorer in the Brasileirão with five goals. This impressive tally, combined with an additional 11 goals that year, made him the season’s second-highest scorer. His breakout performance led to his first professional contract with Atlético Mineiro in September 2022.

Gaining ground

Although a move to Europe currently seems speculative, Santana’s star continues to rise. He recently netted his first professional goal for Atlético-MG in the Campeonato Mineiro. Despite only recently breaking into the senior team, his talent and prolific youth record have drawn significant interest from across the Atlantic.

Humble beginnings

Santana’s journey is all the more impressive considering his modest roots in Cachoeirinha, southern Brazil. His path, guided by coach Adriano Martins and driven by his own ambition, is a testament to hard work and determination.