Arsenal are chasing Brazilian youngster Yan Couto with Bayer Leverkusen also interested.
The Coritiba right-back is valued at £5m despite never having made a first-team appearance.
Couto was one of the stars of the national team as they won the U17 World Cup in November which has led to the Gunners interest.
Globoesporte understand that the Premier League outfit are heading the queue despite interest from Leverkusen with Couto expected to be on the move "in the coming days".
The defender's contract is due to expire at the end of the year which has forced the Brazilian side into selling.
Arsenal are keen to recruit defenders this month as Mikel Arteta looks to shape his squad at the Emirates.
Couto would not be able to move to the Emirates until June when he turns 18, but his agent has held talks with several top clubs in Europe.
Hector Bellerin and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are the Spaniard's two options at right-back with the former currently out injured.
Defence has proved to be Arsenal's Achilles heel this season with a lack of clean sheets one of their biggest issues.
The Gunners have already dipped into the Brazilian market this season having captured Gabriel Martinelli from Ituano in the summer, a deal that was heavily influenced by technical director Edu.
Couto could be the next man through the door and despite his imminent departure the teenager has received a glowing review from Coritiba coach Eduardo Barroca.
He said: "I know him very well because I’ve followed the youth teams a lot. Of course, he is a very good player.
"He is a very young player and is already consolidating himself as a top player. We are working normally in these early days and expect to count on him in this period that he is here."
