ARRASCAETA TRIES TO CONVINCE DE LA CRUZ TO ACT FOR FLAMENGO: ''IT'S TAKING TIME''

Goalkeeper Gabriel Grando, 25 , who came through Grêmio's youth ranks, has become one of the most talked about names on the market after losing his place with the arrival of experienced goalkeeper Tiago Volpi.

Seeking more opportunities to play from 2026 onwards, the player recently rejected a renewal proposal with the Rio Grande do Sul club , whose current contract runs until December 2026. The board is already admitting to negotiating him permanently after failed attempts at an agreement.

FLAMENGO'S NEED FOR GOAL

Grando's name has gained traction at Flamengo , given the need for a replacement in the squad. Matheus Cunha signed a pre-contract with Cruzeiro and will play for the Minas Gerais team next season, opening a gap in the Flamengo goalkeeping team.

Internally, the Grêmio goalkeeper is highly regarded by the Rio de Janeiro coaching staff, according to several local portals that monitor the Rio de Janeiro club's transfer market activity. Flamengo thus sees a strategic signing opportunity.

MARKET OPPORTUNITY

Standing at 6'4" and with experience in national competitions, Grando emerges as a promising alternative to fill the shoes of Matheus Cunha. The Mais Querido's interest reinforces the search for another athlete to compete with Rossi.

Information gathered by Jorge Nicola indicates that there is no environment conducive to a possible return for Gerson to Flamengo . The relationship between the player's representatives and the club has remained strained since his turbulent departure to Russian football, making any negotiations impossible at this time.

According to the journalist, if Gerson returns to Brazilian football, Palmeiras and Botafogo are considered potential interested parties. There's also the possibility of another move from Saudi Arabia, a market that already attempted to sign the midfielder before his move to Zenit.

MARKET VALUE

Valued at €25 million (approximately R$157 million) , the player has a strong relationship with Zenit, which has no intention of negotiating him at this time. This amount corresponds to the release clause paid to Mengão for his transfer. So far, there are no records of official offers from Brazilian clubs for the player.

BOTO WORKS FOR RENEWALS

While Gerson continues his journey in Russian football, Flamengo's board is focusing its efforts on specific renewals. José Boto is working to extend Uruguayan Giorgian De Arrascaeta's contract until 2028.

Furthermore, the manager is trying to unlock negotiations with Filipe Luís to ensure his continued coaching tenure . The initial offer was rejected, and the coach is demanding a salary increase to extend his contract.

Flamengo faces Juventude this Sunday (14), at 4 pm (Brasília time), at Alfredo Jaconi Stadium, in Caxias do Sul , for the 23rd round of the Brazilian Championship Series A. With the leadership consolidated, Mais Querido will have changes in the starting lineup.

Coach Filipe Luís confirmed the starting lineup with: Rossi; Emerson Royal, Danilo, Léo Pereira and Ayrton Lucas; Allan, Saúl and Arrascaeta; Luiz Araújo, Samuel Lino and Pedro.

CONFIRMED SHORTAGES

Some athletes did not travel to Caxias do Sul. Midfielder Jorginho continues to recover from pain in the posterior muscle of his left thigh , while Varela is treating pubalgia after returning from the Uruguayan national team.

Alex Sandro, despite progressing in his recovery from a left calf injury, was also left out of the list of related players. Despite having obtained a suspension effect in the STJD, Bruno Henrique felt pain after training on Saturday (13) and will be spared

CLASSIFICATION AND CONTEXT

Flamengo leads the Brazilian Championship with 47 points, while Juventude sits in the relegation zone with 21 points. The match represents another opportunity for the Rio de Janeiro team to solidify its position at the top of the table and arrive in high spirits for its next international match.