Liverpool's advantage as Arsenal linked with Andre Trindade

Arsenal are the latest club to be linked with Liverpool transfer target Andre Trindade.

The 22-year-old midfielder was the subject of interest from the Reds this summer. However, Fluminense refused to entertain offers for their number seven while they still had a chance of winning a maiden Copa Libertadores in 2023.

The Rio-based club, who will play in next month's final of South America's Champions League equivalent, have always maintained that Andre can be sold in the winter transfer window, however.

"Liverpool's Chief Executive [Billy Hogan] contacted me directly," Flu president Mario Bittencourt told ESPN Brasil. "I replied to him: 'My friend, I don't sell players now and I don't deliver them now. If you want to buy now, and only get the player in January, we can start talking... Or if you want to wait until December, we can talk in December."

READ MORE: Andre Trindade – Is the Brazilian ready to succeed Fabinho at Liverpool?

Fulham and West Ham have also been credited with interest in the one-cap Brazil international, previously. However, there is now another Premier League side reportedly interested.

According to Brazilian journalist Thiago Ferreira, the Gunners 'are interested' in Andre, while football.london notes that Edu Gaspar – Arsenal's technical director – was spotted at Fluminense during the international break.

It is claimed that the official reason for Edu's visit was to learn about Fluminense's 'training methodology and DNA', but the timing has led to fears of a possible transfer hijack.

However, despite possible interest from Arsenal, Liverpool still have a big advantage in the race for Andre's signing.

Anfield Watch understands that Liverpool agreed personal terms with Andre during the summer and even considered activating his release clause to push through a deal, but held back out of respect for Fluminense's desire to keep their star player in order to have the best possible shot at winning the Copa Libertadores for the first time in the club's history.

READ MORE: How to watch Andre in the Copa Libertadores final

As a result, the Brazilian club maintain a good relationship with the Reds' bosses and are willing to give Liverpool favourable terms come January and priority over other suitors.

Liverpool's scouts were present at Fluminense's semi-final win over Internacional, despite the arrival of four midfielders at Anfield in the summer window.

Meanwhile, Andre remains hopeful of a move to Liverpool this January when the window re-opens.