Arsenal’s head of recruitment, Sven Mislintat, is following five players in particular ahead of the January transfer window, according to a report.

Sport Bild relay rumours from the English media that Mislintat has five players on his list ahead of the January transfer window and next summer. Let’s have a look at all five:

2Emerson

BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 11: Emerson #14 of Atletico MG a match between Atletico MG and Palmeiras as part of Brasileirao Series A 2018 at Independencia stadium on November 11, 2018 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)
BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 11: Emerson #14 of Atletico MG a match between Atletico MG and Palmeiras as part of Brasileirao Series A 2018 at Independencia stadium on November 11, 2018 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)
  • Age: 19
  • Position: Right-back
  • Contract until: Unknown
  • Club: Atletico MG
  • Estimated transfer value: £45k

Arsenal, Benfica and PSG have all made their interest in Atletico Mineiro right-back Emerson known recently, as he has a breakthrough individual season in Brazilian football.

Emerson only moved to Atletico Mineiro back in April, having managed a couple of first-team appearances for Ponte Preta in 2017. He’s played much more regularly since then though, starting 19 games for his new club and even scoring his first goal for the club back in late September.

A Bola Brasil write that Arsenal are one of three European clubs to take notice of the defender’s progress. The Gunners have ‘shown interest’ in signing the youngster, whose club progress even saw him called up for the Brazilian u20 team on multiple occasions this year.

WhoScored list the player’s aerial duels and concentration as his strengths, whilst he is weaker at holding on to the ball, which is fairly common for young players. He likes to play short passes and isn’t afraid to get stuck in, or foul if he thinks it’s necessary.

Arsenal may feel that signing a right-back is starting to become a priority. Stephan Lichtsteiner only signed a year-long deal with the Gunners, and he’s had a mixed start to life in the team, most recently picking up an injury against Sporting CP.

At 34 years old, the Swiss international isn’t a long-term solution in the position. Planning ahead by bringing in a teenager to play back-up to Lichtsteiner and Hector Bellerin wouldn’t be the worst idea.

Click ‘Next’ for the next name reportedly on Sven Mislintat’s shortlist