Arsenal head to Brazil in bid to land talented left-back
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With their competitors eyeing up the talent at the European Championship in France, Arsenal are planning to steal a march by looking to Brazil in search of the players they believe can return them to Premier League glory. One of those targets happens to be Douglas Santos.
The 22-year-old has impressed for Atletico Mineiro recently, and his form has also seen the left-back recognised at international level with Brazil, making his debut at the end of May.
Arsenal do have previous with Brazilian left-backs named Santos, with Douglas’ namesake Andre proving to be something of a false hope for the Gunners, before departing in 2011.
According to Brazilian news outlet Hoje em Dia, Barcelona and Valencia are also believed to be in the chase, with a fee of around £8m reportedly enough to prise Santos from Atletico’s grasp.
With three of Europe’s largest sides scouting the former Udinese and Granda man, Gooners can have confidence that Santos 2.0 is far more adept at his defensive duties than the wayward original.
Kieran Gibbs’ days appear to be numbered at the Emirates, and Santos’ arrival would hand Arsene Wenger plenty of depth and longevity in the role, alongside Nacho Monreal.
The Arsenal boss hasn’t been shy about getting his transfer dealings done early this summer, having already landed midfielder Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach, in addition to activating Jamie Vardy’s release clause at Leicester City.
It’s that Xhaka arrival however which may see the red half of north London to pursue another man to provide Monreal some competition.
Switzerland left-back Ricardo Rodriguez has reportedly informed his club side Wolfsburg of a desire to leave the club this summer, and as international room-mate to Xhaka, would have a ready-made partnership should he find himself at the Emirates next term.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
