Vasco formalise bid for Arboleda after São Paulo row | OneFootball

Vasco have already started making moves behind the scenes to strengthen their squad for the second half of the season. Their main target at the moment is experienced center-back Robert Arboleda, who is close to terminating his contract with São Paulo due to off-field issues. The news of Vasco’s strong interest was first reported by journalist André Hernan and detailed by the Na Torcida Vascaínos profile on Tuesday morning (07).

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Vasco’s offer and the friction at São Paulo

The Rio-based board moved quickly after noticing the player’s instability at the São Paulo club. Currently, the Ecuadorian defender earns around R$ 800,000 per month. Vasco contacted the player’s representatives and put a long-term contract offer on the table, valid until the end of 2029, along with a significant salary increase compared to what he currently earns at Tricolor.

Vasco’s strong approach was even one of the triggers for the worsening of Arboleda’s crisis at Morumbi. The center-back’s strain with São Paulo’s top brass increased considerably after football director Rui Costa refused to open official talks with the Giant of the Hill over a transfer. The player saw the executive’s stance as a roadblock to what could be the last great opportunity of his career to secure a lucrative long-term contract, since his current deal expires in December 2027.

The center-back’s profile and the transfer window

Arboleda is a right-footed center-back, 34 years old, and has vast experience in Brazilian football, having played in the country continuously since 2017. He is seen by Vasco’s football department as a big-name signing capable of stepping straight into the starting lineup and bringing solidity to the team’s defense under Renato Gaúcho.

Despite the optimism regarding a possible deal, Vasco fans will need to be a little patient if the move goes through. Due to current CBF rules, even if the Ecuadorian signs his termination with São Paulo in the coming days, he will only be able to be registered and make his debut in Vasco’s colors after the official opening of the mid-year transfer window, scheduled for July 20.

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.