Arsenal are reportedly interested in Ayrton Lucas ahead of the summer, with the full-back viewed as a good backup to Oleksandr Zinchenko.
According to Calciomercato.it, Arsenal are chasing Ayrton Lucas and could look to bring the Flamengo defender. The Brazilian full-back, valued at €30 million, is seen as a backup to Oleksandr Zinchenko and a possible replacement for Kieran Tierney.
Ayrton Lucas is turning heads in Europe with his consistent displays for Flamengo in Brazil. The €30 million-rated full-back has many suitors willing to invest in signing him this summer, with Juventus and Arsenal among those keen.
The Bianconeri might view him as a replacement for Alex Sandro, but they might face tough competition from Arsenal. Mikel Arteta will enter the window looking for at least two full-backs. The Spanish manager remains keen to sign a versatile right-sided defender but may also need a left-back.
Oleksandr Zinchenko has redefined the left-back position at Arsenal since arriving last summer. He tends to play an inverted role that lets him dominate proceedings from a midfield position. Yet, the system has proved effective, as the role allows the Ukraninian to cover his defensive position if things go sideways.
Arteta wants a new player to play back up to Zinchenko next season, particularly if Kieran Tierney departs. The Scotland international has plenty of interest with Newcastle United, the current frontrunner for the left-back.
Tierney tends to play more of a traditional full-back, which Arteta wants as a secondary option. He may have to rely on a different style in games where the inverted model does not work. Hence, the manager must find a Tierney replacement.
Flamengo’s €30 million-rated Brazilian full-back Ayrton Lucas has emerged as a target. The 25-year-old has had a good season in Brazil and may wait for Arsenal to properly formalise their interest. He could become a viable replacement for Tierney if the Scot departs.
The only downside for Arsenal is the waiting game ahead. They will not sign a new full-back until they sell Tierney. In this scenario, particularly in the race for Lucas, they could take a risk here, considering Juventus could make an early offer.
Ultimately, much will depend upon the offers the €30 million-rated Brazilian full-back receives from interested parties. Owing to a strong Brazilian contingent at the Gunners, Lucas might find it attractive to join the Londoners, but the lure of Juventus cannot be ignored.
