Arsenal are looking at the South American market for potential new signings as they get to grips with the new Brexit regulations, football.london understands.
New rules that came in after Brexit have made it harder for British clubs to sign foreign players from second tier European leagues.
It's expected that players from Mexico, Brazil and Argentina will be easier to recruit and qualify for a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE).
A GBE will be easier to obtain for a fully-fledged international player, but others will have to accumulate 15 points or more, based on the quality of the league and competitions they are involved in.
Brazil, Mexico and Argentina’s leagues are deemed to be in the higher bracket, which means it will be easier for a Gabriel Martinelli-esque transfer to be completed from this summer and beyond.
19-year-old Martinelli joined from Brazilian third division side Ituano in the summer of 2019 and has quickly established himself as one of Arsenal's best young players.
The Gunners dismantled their scouting department last summer and while they do still have a small number of scouts, much of the focus has now been placed upon player recruitment through video analysis.
Technical director Edu has vast contacts in Brazil and made enquiries for a number of players last summer, including Corinthians defender Fagner and forward Everton Soares, the former Gremio star who has since joined Benfica.
Manchester City have already taken advantage of the new regulations by pursuing a deal for Fluminense starlet Kayky.
The 17-year-old, who has been earmarked 'the new Neymar', is expected to join Pep Guardiola's side for a fee in the region of €10m plus add-ons.
Metinho, 17, also of Fluminense, is another player reportedly closing in on a move to City with Arsenal and a number of top clubs around Europe showing an interest in the highly-rated midfielder.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta's squad planning for next season is in advanced stages with the Gunners targeting a new right-back, left-back and hopeful of completing a permanent deal for Martin Odegaard.
