It looks like Arsenal made an attempt to sign Brazilian defender Walce back in the January window.
This information has been disclosed by São Paulo’s executive manager Alexandre Pássaro in a chat with ESPN Brasil this week.
The official was invited to the Bola da Vez show, and when speaking about transfers, he chose to reveal interest from the Gunners.
“Walce had a proposal from Red Bull Bragantino, which we denied. Here I think I can even say that we had a conversation with Arsenal, exactly for the spot that went to Pablo Marí, we were talking to Edu Gaspar,” said Pássaro (via Lance).
“He (Walce) ended up getting hurt, which happens, we need to be prepared for that.”
Walce is a young central defender who’s still working to have his place at São Paulo. He’s suffered an injury with Brazil’s U-23 squad in January, having ruptured a cruciate ligment, and is only expected to be back in September.
It looks like that’s when Arsenal have chosen to go for Pablo Mari instead. The Gunners paid €5m for a loan deal, and can use an option to buy him at the end of the season. He has four appearances for the club so far.
