AFTER PRESENTING PHYSICAL WEAR, FLAMENGO GIVES SPECIAL ATTENTION TO GERSON AND AYRTON LUCAS

In recent days, reports from Russia have circulated about a possible deal between Zenit and Flamengo. Matheus Gonçalves ' name has been linked to a direct swap deal with Robert Renan, a defender who plays for Al-Shabab and is currently on loan at the Russian club. Despite the rumors, sources close to the Mais Querido state that "nothing has been officially discussed at this time" regarding the deal with the former Corinthians defender.

Matheus Gonçalves was once close to an agreement with CSKA Moscow, but the Russian club is still awaiting authorization from Mengão to formalize a new offer. Meanwhile, two other foreign teams have expressed interest. One is based in the United Arab Emirates, and the other is in Europe, but outside the most prominent leagues.

OFFER HAS NOT ARRIVED YET

So far, no official offer has been received by Flamengo . The amounts are expected to be close to those presented by CSKA , with variations in the percentages of the economic rights. The Rio de Janeiro club is considering its options: receiving a higher sum immediately or maintaining a stake in a possible future resale.

RESERVE AGAINST CEARÁ

Starting in the first leg against Atlético-MG, valid for the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil, Matheus Gonçalves had a discreet performance and did not take advantage of his chance among the starting eleven players.

Despite his potential, Matheus had few opportunities in the main squad this season , the last game against Ceará, last Sunday (09), the athlete did not even leave the bench and was not an option for the Brazilian Championship.

Atlético-MG and Flamengo face each other again this Wednesday (6) , for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. The duel will take place at Arena MRV, in Belo Horizonte, at 7 pm (Brasília time) , with broadcast by SporTV and Premiere. In the first match, held at Maracanã, Galo won 1-0 and plays for a draw to guarantee classification.

Before the decisive clash, striker Hulk was full of praise for his opponent. In an interview, the Minas Gerais number 7 called the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved) the best team in the country. " When you have an important game like this, which is the Copa do Brasil, against the best team in the country , there's no greater motivation. (...) When you face the best, you want to beat the best," the player declared.

Hulk admits: "Flamengo is the best team in Brazil"

The experienced athlete also highlighted the Rio de Janeiro team's performance on the pitch. "In my humble opinion, Flamengo is the best team in Brazil. (...) A team that plays very well. And we're going to do a great job collectively so that, God willing, we can qualify," Hulk added.

SCENARIO OF THE ROUND OF 16 OF THE BRAZIL CUP

To advance to the quarterfinals, Flamengo needs to win by two or more goals. If they win by one goal, the match goes to penalties. Any draw favors the Minas Gerais club. Filipe Luís's team will have to find its way back to victory after two games without a win.

FLAMENGO MAY HAVE SHORTAGES

Flamengo may have a major problem for the decisive clash against Atlético-MG. Arrascaeta, who scored the equalizer in the 1-1 draw against Ceará last Sunday (3), at Castelão, felt discomfort in his left thigh and left the pitch at half-time in the match, valid for the 18th round of the Brazilian Championship.

Last Saturday (02), Flamengo officially signed Colombian midfielder Jorge Carrascal as the fourth reinforcement of the current transfer window. The player has already undergone medical examinations, signed a four-year contract and was presented this Monday (04), in a press conference at Ninho do Urubu. Carrascal will wear the number 15 shirt and arrives as an option for Mengão's midfield.

To secure the 26-year-old's talent, the Rubro-Negro paid €12 million, equivalent to approximately R$77.1 million. The negotiation involved Dynamo Moscow and also involved Atlético-MG, due to the parallel sale of Rubens, which contributed to the delay in the process of releasing the documents.

Despite already being integrated into the squad and physically fit, Jorge Carrascal is still awaiting his name to be published in the CBF's Daily Information Bulletin (BID). Regularization is essential for the midfielder to officially debut for the Mais Querido . The coaching staff, led by Filipe Luís, is already evaluating his fitness to use him once he's fit.

PREMIERE EXPECTATION

Internally, there is optimism that Carrascal will be available on Saturday (09), when Mengão faces Mirassol in the Brazilian Championship. If the regularization happens by then, the Colombian will be able to play alongside Arrascaeta and reinforce the team's creative sector, increasing the coach's offensive options.

FLAMENGO FACES ATLÉTICO-MG

While finalizing the bureaucratic procedures of the hiring, Flamengo turns its attention to the decisive game against Atlético-MG this Wednesday (06), at 7 pm, at Maracanã, for the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. The duel will be broadcast by SporTV and Premiere , and promises strong emotions for the red-black fans.