Arsenal and Chelsea look set to battle it out for the signing of Joao Pedro Chermont. The 18-year-old defender has been recently linked with a move to the Premier League following .
Chermont, who sees his contract at the Urbano Caldeira Stadium expire in December 2027, has enjoyed an excellent vein of form in the second tier of Brazilian football, becoming a mainstay in Neymar's former side. He's featured 24 times, scoring two goals and providing three assists as .
According to , Arsenal and Chelsea are among several Premier League clubs 'closely monitoring' the Brazil Under-20 international's development ahead of the January transfer window. The report states that the Gunners and the Blues are preparing to make bids for Chermont, .
adds that scouts have been spotted watching the teenager recently, and he's clearly made a good impression. Chermont has a €70m (£58.8m) release clause in his deal, but .
Real Madrid and Barcelona have also been credited with interest in the right-back. While Chelsea may be keen to secure Chermont's signature, after suffering a hamstring injury earlier this season.
The 24-year-old defender missed the start of the new campaign after he was shown a red card in the penultimate game of last term. Then, just as James looked set to come back, .
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The England international has been really unfortunate with injuries lately, but . Upon his return, James looks set to be given a key role in Enzo Maresca's side, operating as an inverted full-back.
When asked about the demands of the new position in July, he said: "The early days have been very enjoyable. It’s a lot different to what I’m used to but I think with how I play it suits me quite well. I’ve still got a lot to learn for what he wants in the role but I’m excited and I can’t wait."
Then, in an interview with the following month, James added: "He has been amazing from the moment he came in. His ideas, and what he wants to do are very clear. It’s just about time now and executing so we can be the best, which is what he wants."
