Brentford and Arsenal now have a clearer route to João Ananias, as Santos are ready to consider selling the 19-year-old defender.
Both Premier League clubs are keeping an eye on the youngster. Santos’ financial problems could also help turn that interest into a transfer.
ESPN Brazil’s Felipe Silva says Santos expect to receive an offer for Ananias in the coming days. The Brazilian club will consider a deal because they want to raise money.
However, they have already set their minimum level. Santos don’t want to open negotiations for anything below €7m (£6m).
Brentford and Arsenal watching – Besiktas moving
Brentford and Arsenal are among Ananias’ main European admirers, alongside Atlético Madrid. So far, none of those three clubs have made an offer. Besiktas, meanwhile, have taken a more concrete step.
The Turkish side have already told Santos they plan to submit a formal proposal. They now hope to push ahead with a deal for the centre-back.
In addition, two other Turkish clubs want Ananias. Santos could therefore find themselves with several options before the window closes. Yet for now Premier League interest remains at the monitoring stage, while Besiktas seems preparing to act.
Santos use Benfica talks as benchmark
The €7m (£6m) asking point has a clear background. Benfica came close to signing Ananias for that figure at the beginning of June. However, the two clubs failed to reach a final agreement.
As a result, Santos have now used that previous negotiation as their reference point for any new talks.
The club rate Ananias highly and have him under contract until 2030. He joined Santos at the age of 11 and progressed through their youth ranks before reaching the senior side.
For now, he continues to move between the starting XI and the bench. Normally, Santos would have good reason to keep developing him. Their financial situation, though, has changed the picture.
ESPN explains that the club see a sale as a way to ease some of that pressure. Therefore, they are willing to listen if someone reaches their valuation.
Santos are open to doing business, and the price is no longer a mystery. Besiktas are currently pushing harder, though, so the two English clubs may need to decide quickly whether their interest goes any further.
