Arsenal lead Manchester United in the race to sign Real Madrid star Lucas Silva, reports the Daily Star.
Chelsea and Southampton have also been linked to the Brazilian, who is set to be left out of Los Merengues’ La Liga squad. Danilo, Casemiro, and James Rodriguez are set to be given the three spaces allowed for non-European players by Rafael Benitez, meaning that the 22-year-old is going to be allowed to leave.
The arrival of Mateo Kovacic at the Bernabeu also means that Los Blancos have a replacement already at the club. The Gunners are favourites to take advantage of this situation, having nearly signed the midfielder last summer, before Real pounced with a £9.7 million move.
SEE MORE
Arsenal transfer news
Manchester United transfer rumours
Arsenal transfer news roundup: Benzema in defiant message to ‘CLOWNS’, £35m PSG star MAJOR last-minute target, midfielder’s £21m DEAL CLOSE
The North Londoners are in need of a new defensively minded player in the middle of the park. Francis Coquelin impressed in the position last season, but this time round the 24-year-old hasn’t looked up to the task of playing an important part in their attempts to win the Premier League title. This was especially evident in their 1-2 win over Crystal Palace, where the Frenchman was lucky to not be sent off.