Arsenal are in talks with Maycon’s representatives over the possibility of a summer move for the Corinthians midfielder, according to reports in Brazil.

UOL eSporte claim Arsenal have stepped up their interest by opening negotiations this week. The club are hoping to ward off interest from Napoli and Shakhtar Donetsk, but Maycon reportedly favours a move to north London anyway.

The media also linked Arsenal to the 20-year-old in January, when an unnamed source claimed the club were “very interested in Maycon”. The source said scouts watched the midfielder for over a year and believe he has a big future.

Maycon predominately plays in the centre of the park, and made 40 appearances for Corinthians last year as they finished top of the league.

The main problem is that the Brazilian is one of those players Arsenal would struggle to get a work permit for. With no international caps, the FA wouldn’t grant him a permit right away. Even on appeal, it’s unlikely he would earn enough points to qualify.

Arsenal have struggled with other South American players for the same reason in the past. Joel Campbell and Wellington Silva are recent examples of players who ended up perpetually on loan.

We’ll see if the club are willing to take the risk of the same thing happening again.