Cruzeiro midfielder Lucas Silva has led his club to the Brasileirao league title and is reportedly ready for a new challenge in his career – European football.
According to various reports emanating from England, the 21-year-old is being monitored by Real Madrid, Manchester United and Arsenal.
The British tabloid Metro claims that officials at Old Trafford have been in contact with the Brazilian starlet’s representatives, but have yet to make an official bid for the player. While The Sun claims that Arsenal have sent scouts to Brazil in order to make contact with Silva.
The Sun believes that Arsenal are prepared to meet the £12 million asking price for the Brazilian who currently plays for his country’s under-23 squad. But the Spanish publication Marca believes that Silva would prefer to play for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid are understood to be monitoring the player, but any move wouldn’t come in January; the likelihood of a transfer would be two or three years away. The Spanish giants have a wealth of options in their midfield and they don’t believe the player will be able to step in right away and contribute to the club.
If Madrid were to move for Silva, it’s likely that they would immediately send the player out on loan in order for him to gain European experience.
Silva is a tall, strong defensive midfielder with excellent passing skills. He has been the steading force which has pushed Cruzeiro towards their domestic success. The 21-year-old is always on the move, making himself available for the next pass and looking to bring his other more attacking players into the game.
The questions about his current skill set are his tackling, man-marking, heading and dribbling. Most experts believe that it will take a year or two for Silva to adjust to the speed and physicality of European football.
