Vasco pursue Claudio Spinelli as Pedrinho confirms talks and battling profile appeals | OneFootball

According to PaponaColina, Vasco have identified Argentine striker Claudio Spinelli, 29, of Independiente Del Valle, as the target to complete their attack, with president Pedrinho confirming talks on Thursday 29 before travelling to São Paulo for the Campeonato Brasileiro opener against Mirassol. He also said negotiations are under way for full-back Cuiabano.

The move addresses the absence of a penalty-box centre-forward with physical presence and aerial threat following Pablo Vegetti’s departure. Brenner was signed to start, but Fernando Diniz and the hierarchy want a combative alternative for knockout ties and more physical contests.

Pedrinho said the club’s finances have improved after judicial recovery, allowing better market moves, but he stressed restraint. The preference is for deals with an option to buy rather than immediate or obligatory purchases, to protect cash flow.

Vasco’s recruitment team view Spinelli as a market opportunity, not costly by Brazilian standards and matching Diniz’s demands for intensity and fitness. At 1.80m with strong spring, he presses relentlessly and offers a real aerial threat, a profile akin to Vegetti. Pedrinho and director Felipe believe such traits are vital for cup campaigns, notably this year’s Sudamericana.

Spinelli has already hurt Vasco, scoring twice in their 2025 Sudamericana elimination. Last season was his best, with 28 goals in 50 games for Del Valle across Libertadores and Sudamericana. If negotiations progress, he could trade places as a former scourge who offers goals from the bench.

Source: PaponaColina