Arsenal are one of four European contenders to sign Atletico Mineiro defender Emerson, according to reports in Brazil.

Brazilian outlet UOL (via Sport Witness) reports that Atletico Mineiro are ‘prepared to sell’ Emerson in the January transfer window, to hit their financial targets for the campaign.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Betis are reportedly the four interested sides. The two Premier League teams have been scouting the 19-year-old for months now, and Atletico are already lining up replacements.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about Arsenal’s interest in the player. A Bola Brasil wrote in November that Arsenal were one of three European clubs to take notice of the defender’s progress.

The Gunners had ‘shown interest’ in signing the youngster, whose club progress even saw him called up for the Brazilian u20 team on multiple occasions last 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 commit a foul if he thinks it’s necessary.

Arsenal may feel that signing a right-back is starting to become a priority. Stephan Lichsteiner only signed a year-long deal with the Gunners, and he’s had a mixed start to life in the team, whilst Hector Bellerin has had a couple of injury problems recently.

Planning ahead by bringing in a teenager to play back-up to Lichtsteiner and Bellerin wouldn’t be the worst idea.