Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing a Brazilian defender to act as backup to Oleksandr Zinchenko if, as expected, Kieran Tierney moves on this summer.

The Scotland international was left frustrated by a lack of game time last season after being sidelined by Zinchenko’s arrival and the subsequent key role that he filled playing as an inverted full-back under Mikel Arteta.

That has led to strong rumours that Tierney could be on his way to Newcastle, although the Magpies will have to stump up more than the £30million they are currently prepared to offer.

And with Tierney seemingly on his way, there will be the need for a new addition to Arteta’s squad to keep Zinchenko on his toes.

That player could be Flamengo defender Ayrton Lucas, who is currently turning heads with his performances in Brazil.

Calciomercato reports that the full-back, who is valued at €30million, is seen an ideal replacement for Tierney.

Arsenal facing Juventus battle for Brazilian

The Gunners are not the only club keen on his signature though, with Italian giants Juventus also in the mix.

The Bianconeri view Lucas as a replacement for Alex Sandro, but Arteta will be looking to beat Juve to the punch over a deal.

Lucas, 25, has had a strong campaign in his native Brazil and the report adds that he is prepared to wait for Arsenal to properly formalise their interest.

That will only come, however, once Tierney has been offloaded and leaves the north London side hoping that Newcastle do decide to up their offer for the Scot.

As a result, that leaves the door for Juve to try and jump ahead of the Premier League side and strike a deal of their won.

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