Casemiro is getting sidelined at São Paulo
He may be seen as one of their top talents, but Casemiro is in danger of falling out of the first-team reckoning at São Paulo following a poor run of form and a perceived attitude problem. At São Paulo, where Casemiro has always been top-dog, he has at times acted like a prima donna this season in training and on the pitch. A move away could do him good, both in terms of developing his game and solving his attitude problems that threaten to lengthen the odds on his talent being fulfilled.
Asking price would be within the Gunners reach
Currently, although Casemiro’s release clause is €30 million, he could be obtained for much less, at around €8-10 million. This price would fall right into the ideal range for the Gunners, who are always on the look out for top young talent. São Paulo are aware of his talent, but given the occasional personal problems, would be willing to cash in on one of their prized assets in order to strengthen other areas.
The Denilson factor
Arsenal have built a good relationship with São Paulo, over the loan move of Denilson back to his original club. This could play into their hands when it comes to fighting-off expected interest from Italian sides Napoli, Roma, Milan and Inter for the midfielder. Denilson gives Arsenal a couple of extra cards they could play, either by extending the midfielders loan past June, or by including the player as part of a deal and thus, lowering the asking price. The ball is truly in Arsenal’s court on this one.
Suitability for the Premier League
Casemiro is ideal for the Premier League. Tall, strong, excellent with the ball at his feet and with a fine passing range, he is almost the prototypical player for the modern English game. The one doubt would be over his pace, but as the likes of Mikel Arteta and Tom Huddlestone have shown, pace is not essential when you have enough talent. Casemiro has bundles of ability and of all the clubs in the running, Arsenal would perhaps be the best place for his development.
Good record with Brazilian players
In recent years, Arsenal have had several Brazilian players on their books and have a good record of developing them. Casemiro could do worse than to look at the careers of Gilberto Silva and Edu at Arsenal when considering the club as a potential destination. Despite his subsequent relapse, Denilson was given plenty of first-team opportunities at Arsenal and at one point was rated as one of the yop young players in the league. Brazilians can succeed in England and the Gunners, where he could play alongside André Santos, have proved as much in the past.
