Arsenal are hoping to beat Chelsea to the signing of Corinthians midfielder Gabriel Moscardo.
Gunners midfielder Thomas Partey underwent a procedure to treat a significant thigh injury earlier this week.
Partey has been limited to four Premier League games this season and has not featured in any capacity since a second-half substitute appearance against Manchester City a month ago.
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The 30-year-old picked up his current injury in training ahead of Arsenal's Champions League away game against Sevilla and may reportedly be out until the new year.
Partey is also set to feature for Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations in January and February, should he recover from his injury in time.
With a prolonged Partey absence in mind, Arsenal may look to sign an alternative to the ex-Atletico Madrid star in January.
One player that has been linked with the Gunners is teenage Corinthians midfielder Moscardo, who has made 21 appearances for the Brazilian club this term.
ESPN Brasil claimed Arsenal are among the club’s who have made approaches for the 18-year-old’s signing.
However Chelsea and Barcelona are reportedly leading the race for Moscardo.
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Indeed, Chelsea are thought to making a concerted effort to sign the Brazilian, with it having been reported the Goal Brasil earlier this week that the Blues submitted a new offer for the youngster.
ESPN claims the latest offer had been delivered by super agent and Arsenal fan Kia Joorabchian and Giuliano Bertolucci, both of whom regularly act on behalf of Corinthians and have good relationships with Premier League clubs.
Indeed, Joorabchian’s involvement may play into Arsenal’s hands, given the 52-year-old has supported the Gunners since his childhood and has kept a corporate box at their Emirates Stadium.
Moreover, Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar used to be a football director at Corinthians, and has a relationship with both Joorabchian and Bertolucci.
Chris Byfield