Arsenal have started making moves for Red Bull Bragantino youngster Ryan Augusto, with the 19-year-old right-back attracting attention from the Premier League club.
The Gunners have been keeping an eye on the Brazilian market for years, looking for young players who could eventually break into Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Ryan appears to fit that approach. He’s recently stepped up to Bragantino’s senior team and has also represented Brazil at U20 level this year.
Now we know there have already been informal contacts over a potential move, although Arsenal aren’t alone in following his development.
Arsenal make early approach for Ryan Augusto
So Arsenal have identified Ryan as one of the promising Brazilian youngsters worth pursuing.
ESPN Brazil explains that informal discussions have already taken place between the parties. Other interested clubs have also made contact, although they’re not named.
Ryan’s involvement with Brazil’s U20 squad has helped raise his profile. His promotion to Bragantino’s first team has given European scouts another opportunity to assess him against senior opposition.
And there’s an interesting connection with Gabriel Martinelli in this story. ESPN explains that the Gunners are following a similar recruitment strategy to the one that brought Martinelli to London in 2019.
Back then, Arsenal had been monitoring the winger at third-tier side Ituano before he turned 18. They kept their negotiations quiet to avoid attracting competition and eventually secured his signature.
Martinelli has since moved to Al Hilal, but his original transfer remains an example of Arsenal identifying Brazilian talent before their value rises. The club could now be looking to repeat that process with Ryan.
| Every Arsenal signing 26/27 | Nationality | Previous Club | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bruno Guimarães | Brazil | Newcastle United | £75m |
| Ezri Konsa | England | Aston Villa | £51m |
| Christos Tzolis | Grecce | Club Brugge | £34m |
| Illan Meslier | France | Leeds United | Free |
| Piero Hincapié | Colombia | Bayer Leverkusen | £34.5m |
What Arsenal look for in South America
Another interesting part of ESPN’s report is the explanation of how Arsenal approach recruitment across South America.
According to a source familiar with their scouting strategy, the Gunners assess different markets according to the characteristics they associate with each country.
In Brazil, they particularly value natural technical ability. Argentina and Uruguay are viewed as markets where players tend to offer greater competitiveness and determination. Meanwhile, Ecuador and Colombia are seen as providing a combination of technical and physical development.
That last factor is considered useful when assessing how quickly youngsters might adapt to the Premier League.
Arsenal reportedly begin tracking some players at around 14 years old, particularly those standing out in academies and youth national teams.
Their current attention is focused on players born in 2008 and 2009. Those youngsters are approaching the age when international transfers to England become possible.
Ryan, at 19, is already old enough to make that move.
Why Ryan could fit Arsenal’s plans
There’s also a clear idea of what Arsenal want to do with these signings. ESPN says the club are looking for youngsters who could eventually provide cover for Arteta’s first team.
Instead of immediately sending them out on loan, Arsenal prefer to develop them through their U21 setup. That allows players to adapt to English football, learn the club’s playing style and potentially earn opportunities in domestic cup competitions.
It’s a system designed to keep promising youngsters close to the senior squad.
Ryan’s situation is still at an early stage. The informal contacts suggest Arsenal are exploring the possibility, with no formal offer or advanced negotiations mentioned.
His next performances for Bragantino and Brazil’s youth teams could therefore be important. But for now, the Gunners have made their interest known.
