Brazil's next superstar? Arsenal scout youngster 'better than Adriano'

Tom Weber

• 25 Oct 2025 16:01 CDT
• 3 min read

News

Arsenal have been left impressed by Vasco da Gama youngster Rayan, according to Brazilian media.

The 19-year-old attacker has been starring for the Rio de Janeiro outfit this year, scoring 11 goals in 27 appearances in Brazil's Serie A. All told, Rayan has netted 16 times so far in 2025.

A physical forward who can play all over the frontline, the teenager has earned comparisons to former Brazilian superstar Adriano, whose promising career was infamously derailed by his inability to cope with the tragic passing of his father.

According to pundit Neto, Rayan has the potential to outshine the former Brazil international in the future. “For me, Rayan from Vasco will be better than Adriano," he said this week.

"He has the same style, but he’s more technical," Neto explained. "He’ll be much better than Adriano. Rayan is the big revelation of the Brazilian Championship.”

Arsenal impressed by Rayan

Earlier this week, reports in Brazil suggested that Arsenal had been left 'enchanted' by Rayan after they had scouts in attendance at the Maracana for Vasco da Gama's 2-0 win over Fluminense.

However, Globo Esporte has now interviewed Vasco's director of football Admar Lopes, who has revealed that Rayan is on the verge of signing a new contract.

"Regarding Rayan, we have control over what we can do, which is to make every effort to renew," he said. "Talks are advanced, and things are going well, both with his family, his agents, and the player.

"We're confident that, in the coming weeks or by the end of the year, we'll be able to renew, because that's also the player's wish. A contract renewal for a player with this impact increases everything: the financial terms, the contract length, and the release clause to protect Vasco."

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