Coritiba: Yan Couto scores two goals for club's youth team
Arsenal face fierce competition from Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen in the race to sign highly-rated Brazilian right-back Yan Couto. Arsenal have been depleted in the position this season with central midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles often having to fill in for the injured Hector Bellerin.
Couto is seen as one of the hottest prospects on the right side of defence following his development at Brazilian side Coritiba.
His starring role in Brazil’s Under-17 World Cup triumph last year put the defender on the map and a trio of Europe’s biggest clubs have since been keeping tabs.
Arsenal and Barcelona were the frontrunners for the teenager’s signature but, according to Brazilian media outlet Globo Esporte, the Catalans have stolen a march in proceedings.
It is claimed that Barca are closing in on a permanent deal for the player Couto worth £4.25million (€5m).
Arsenal enter transfer tussle with Barcelona as Mikel Arteta eyes January signing (Image: Getty)
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Barcelona have a history of fostering Brazilian talents - Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Neymar - and Couto is expected to extend the list.
Coritiba’s youth team coach Eduardo Barroca recently spoke with the veiled knowledge would be plucked from the club’s grasp in the not too distant future.
"I know him very well because I’ve followed the youth teams a lot,” he said.
“Of course, he is a very good player. He is a very young player and is already consolidating himself as a top player.
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“We are working normally in these early days and expect to count on him in the period that he is here."
If a deal materialises with Barcelona that will send a blow to Arsenal’s January business which is yet to get off the ground.
Arsenal typically prefer to conduct their recruitment in the summer but defence does look a problem area for the Gunners due to injuries.
Express Sport understands that the club are interested in deals for Red Bull Leipzig centre-half Dayot Upamecano, Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha and Napoli forward Dries Mertens.
Yan Couto is one of the most sought-after young right-backs in the world (Image: Getty)