Arsenal are yet to make contact with the representatives of Robert Renan ahead of the January transfer window.

What's the talk?

Transfer Focus

That's according to a report by Brazilian media outlet Gazeta Esportiva (via Sport Witness), who claim that, despite a number of recent reports suggesting that Edu has already made contact with the centre-back's agent ahead of a potential move for the 19-year-old this winter, there has been no 'official' approach made by the Premier League side thus far.

However, Sport Witness went on to suggest that, with the Gunners' technical director boasting a good relationship with his former club Corinthians, perhaps Arsenal could hold the edge over the likes of Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the race for the Brazil U20 international's signature.

Edu must move

Considering just how exciting a talent Renan very much appears to be, should Edu wish to give Mikel Arteta's side the best possible chance of securing the defender's signing in January, it would seem a wise move for the Brazilian director to begin laying down the groundwork of a move for the 19-year-old at the earliest possible opportunity.

Indeed, the youngster has been in extremely impressive form over his ten Serie A appearances so far this season, helping Corinthians keep four clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.9 interceptions, 1.7 tackles, 4.9 clearances and winning 3.1 duels - at a success rate of 51% - per game.

The defender has also caught the eye when in possession, playing 3.1 long balls, completing 43.9 passes - at a success rate of 85% - and succeeding with 0.2 dribbles per outing.

These returns have seen the £1.7k-per-week sensation average a rather remarkable SofaScore match rating of 6.96, currently ranking the teenager as Timão's tenth-best performer in the top flight of Brazilian football in 2022/23.

Perhaps surprisingly, Renan's performances have drawn a considerable amount of praise, with Brazilian journalist Rodrigo Fragoso stating of the Corinthians starlet in a post on Twitter earlier this year:

"Observation made here from the lawn of the Neo Química Arena: Robert Renan has a lot of potential. I really liked the posture of the Corinthians left-footed defender. He anticipates well, he's cold in the moves. Looks like he's going to make a very quality defender in the professional."

Meanwhile, Total Football Analysis went as far as to compare the 6 foot 1 Brazilian to the likes of Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos and Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martínez, as, according to the analytical website, "Renan makes up for a lack of height with a complete defensive profile."

As such, considering all of the above, it would indeed appear as if Edu simply must launch an official move for the youngster who boasts a €50m (£44m) release clause this winter, as not only would the 19-year-old make an extremely exciting addition to Arteta's defensive options, but he could well go on to become the next version of the PSG stalwart at The Emirates.