Flamengo x Vasco: Arbitration defined for the second game of the carioca semifinal

Young midfielder Matheus Gonçalves, a Flamengo talent , is experiencing a period of uncertainty in his career. Without a place in the main squad, he was reinstated to the youth academy after the coaching staff determined his performance wasn't up to expectations.

Even so, the athlete continues to attract interest in the market. After inquiries from several clubs, including a rejected offer from Cruzeiro, CSKA Moscow appears to be the leading candidate to sign him.

CSKA PROPOSAL

According to information gathered by Gazeta do Urubu , talks between the Russian club and the player's representatives are already underway. CSKA is reportedly willing to pay around €5 million, plus bonuses for milestones, to acquire the player's rights outright.

Matheus Gonçalves, 20, is seen as a strategic asset to the Russian team's sporting project, which is seeking promising young players to bolster its attacking position. To date, however, the Rio de Janeiro club has not officially commented on a possible sale, nor has it confirmed any negotiations.

NEGOTIATION DEPENDS ON DECISION

Flamengo's board has not yet indicated whether it intends to negotiate with the player . Internally, there is an understanding that Matheus is an important asset for the future, although the lack of opportunities in the main squad has fueled speculation about his departure.

In search of the ninth Brazilian title, Flamengo takes to the field this Monday (25) to face Vitória, at Maracanã, for the 21st round of the Brazilian Championship. The match will not be broadcast on open TV, but can be watched live on SporTV (subscription channel) and Premiere (pay-per-view).

HOW DOES FLAMENGO ARRIVE?

For the match, coach Filipe Luís will have virtually his entire squad available. The only confirmed absence is Erick Pulgar , who is still recovering from foot surgery after fracturing his fifth metatarsal during the Club World Cup in June.

The midfielder is expected to return to action only in the second half of September. Otherwise, the Rubro-Negro team is expected to play at full strength against Vitória . The coach has already stated, optimistically, that he expects to count on the Chilean for the matches against Estudiantes.

SITUATION IN THE TABLE

Flamengo leads the Brazilian Championship with 43 points . Right behind, Cruzeiro beat Internacional on Saturday (23) and reached 41 points, taking second place. With that, Palmeiras dropped to third place, with 39 points.

Meanwhile, Vitória needs to score points if it wants to escape the relegation zone. Leão is 17th in the Brasileirão with 19 points , the same number as Vasco, the first team outside the relegation zone, and with at least a draw, it will push the Cruzmaltino into the bottom four.

Discovered by Flamengo, right-back Wesley experienced a special moment last weekend when he made his official debut for Roma. In his first match for the Italian club, he scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Bologna , deciding the match and earning man of the match honors.

The standout performance earned praise from coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who expressed his satisfaction with the young Brazilian's performance. According to the coach, who has been following the athlete's career for some time, Wesley has the potential to evolve even further in European football.

GASPERINI HIGHLIGHTS POTENTIAL

Gasperini is considered one of the biggest supporters of Wesley's arrival in Europe. In 2024, the coach had already tried to bring the player to Atalanta, but the deal ultimately fell through. After leaving Bergamo for Roma , the coach remained interested and, this time, secured the full-back.

WESLEY'S GOAL ON THE DEBUT

In his debut, Wesley played as a right winger, playing a more attacking role and contributing significantly to the attack. In addition to scoring the decisive goal, he displayed intensity and defensive confidence, quickly winning over the fans of the Italian capital.

Roma coach highlights Wesley, ex-Flamengo: "There is great room for growth"

After the match,Gasperini highlighted the player's room for growth and reinforced his confidence in his development within the squad: " Wesley? He has a lot of room for growth, still a lot to improve. A very young guy, with a lot of room for growth. He showed his value and energy in an already compact team. The fans liked him and that's important for us; it gives us a big boost," declared the coach.