'New Adriano' AGREES deal as Barcelona launch Arsenal hijack

Tom Weber

Updated: 5 Dec 2025 08:43 GMT
4 min read

Vasco da Gama have agreed a new contract with star attacker Rayan, but that is unlikely to deter Arsenal and Barcelona, according to Brazilian media.

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The 19-year-old has enjoyed a breakout 2025 season at his formative club, scoring 14 goals in 34 appearances in Brazil's Serie A so far. His prodigious talent and physicality have earned Rayan comparisons to none other than former Selecao superstar Adriano.

Some pundits in Brazil believe that Rayan has the potential to outshine the cult hero, whose promising career faded due to his inability to cope with the tragic death of his father.

Current ETV

Rayan

M (R), F (C), AM (L)

Vasco da Gama

Rayan

M (R), F (C), AM (L)

Vasco da Gama

ETV Range

€18.4M - €22.5M

Naturally, given such lavish praise, it is only natural that European clubs are keeping a close eye on the teenager's development. Arsenal have been scouting Rayan for months.

Representatives of the Gunners have been left hugely impressed whenever they have watched the attacker in action, but there have also been links with Man Utd and Tottenham.

Vasco agree new Rayan deal

Rayan's current contract runs until the end of 2026, so Vasco have been trying for weeks to reach an agreement with the youngster on fresh terms. It was previously reported that the club were confident of getting the player's green light, and this confidence was well-founded.

According to O Globo, an agreement between the club and the player's camp has now been reached, although it is acknowledged that it does not entirely rule out a sale to Europe next summer.

Rayan, who was already on a decent salary, will see his earnings improve further in a contract that will run until 2028. There was also previously an arrangement for the player to hold 30 per cent of his rights, which Vasco are still trying to buy out to get a bigger share of the pie in the future.

The player's release clause currently stands at €40 million, but it is claimed that Vasco could be prepared to do business for as little as €25 million, although this may be predicated on their ability to receive the full fee.

Worryingly for Arsenal and Rayan's other English suitors is that Barcelona appear to have fully entered the race for the teenager. Other European giants like Porto and Milan have also enquired. Vasco want to keep him beyond 2026, but acknowledge that they may have no choice but to sell in the summer.

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