SÃO PAULO – A potential move for striker Arthur Cabral to Corinthians is hanging in the balance as the Brazilian Série A clubs remain at odds over financial terms, with the transfer window set to close Friday. Despite a reported reduction in Cabral’s salary expectations, Corinthians is reportedly unwilling to cover the player’s wages while on loan from Botafogo.
The situation, as reported by Brazilian journalist Samir Carvalho, indicates that Corinthians was initially facing a demand of R$1.5 million (approximately $237,000 USD) for Cabral’s salary. That figure reportedly decreased to R$1.1 million (approximately $174,000 USD), but Corinthians has still rejected the proposal. “The Corinthians said ‘no,’ they will not pay R$1.1 million for the player,” Carvalho stated, suggesting the player himself initiated the salary reduction. “Probably it was the player who lowered it. Corinthians doesn’t desire Arthur Cabral for R$ 1.1 million.”
The impasse extends beyond Cabral’s individual salary. Corinthians officials, including president Osmar Stabile, are committed to adhering to a strict wage ceiling, and Cabral’s earnings, reflective of his previous experience in European football, are considered too high for the club’s current budget. This financial constraint is proving to be a significant hurdle in completing the deal.
Trade for Pedro Raul Also Ruled Out
Further complicating matters, Corinthians has also dismissed the possibility of a player-plus-cash exchange involving forward Pedro Raul, currently with Botafogo. According to Carvalho, the primary reason for rejecting this option is also related to salary discrepancies. Raul’s current wages are reported to be R$720,000 (approximately $114,000 USD), and Corinthians is unwilling to take on the additional financial burden of bridging the gap between Raul’s salary and Cabral’s reduced, but still substantial, demands.
“If it were to trade for Pedro Raul, Corinthians also wouldn’t want to,” Carvalho reported. “I already have this confirmation, and why? Because Pedro Raul’s salary is R$720,000. And a source told me that there is no way for Corinthians to pay that difference today, from R$720,000 to 1.1 million.”
The window for negotiation is rapidly closing, with both Botafogo and Corinthians having until Friday to reach an agreement. The “janela de exceção” – the extra transfer window for Brazilian state championships – will slam shut, potentially ending any chance of a move for Cabral this month. The urgency underscores the pressure on both clubs to uncover a resolution, or move on to alternative targets.
Arthur Cabral joined Botafogo in June 2025, arriving as a reinforcement ahead of the Copa do Mundo de Clubes. However, his time at the Rio de Janeiro club has been marked by inconsistency and injury setbacks. In 40 appearances for Botafogo, he has scored six goals and provided four assists. His contract with the club extends through the end of 2028, giving Botafogo some leverage in negotiations, but also highlighting the require to find a solution that suits all parties involved.
The situation highlights the ongoing financial challenges faced by many Brazilian clubs, even those competing at the highest level. Corinthians’ reluctance to overextend its budget underscores a commitment to financial stability, even if it means missing out on a potentially impactful player. For Cabral, the outcome will determine whether he remains with Botafogo or seeks opportunities elsewhere.
As the deadline looms, Marcelo Paz, Botafogo’s executive, continues to explore all possible avenues to facilitate the transfer. However, the financial obstacles remain significant, and the prospect of Arthur Cabral joining Corinthians appears increasingly remote. The coming hours will be crucial in determining the striker’s future.
What’s Next: The transfer window closes Friday, March 27th. Any deal between Corinthians and Botafogo must be finalized before then. If no agreement is reached, both clubs will turn their attention to other potential targets for the remainder of the season.
