Arsenal in talks for Yan Couto: Deal expected imminently | OneFootball

Coritiba expect to finalise the sale of right-back Yan Couto to a European club in the coming days, with Arsenal among the final three in negotiations.

Globo Esporte report that Coritiba expect to close the sale of Yan Couto within days, with Arsenal among the clubs in negotiations for him. Club president Samir Namur claims they’re negotiating with three top European clubs.

The report suggests Arsenal are one and Bayer Leverkusen are another. Regardless of the team he chooses, Couto won’t move until the summer when he turns 18. That’s even if the deal is done this month, as the Brazilian outlet are reporting.

Couto would cost around €5m (£4.26m), according to his agent.

The links first appeared in December, when the same Brazilian outlet claimed Couto caught Arsenal’s eye at the u17 World Cup.

The right-back played five of seven games and provided two assists as Brazil won the tournament. His assists were for the equaliser in the semi-final and the winner in the final.

It wouldn’t surprise me to see Arsenal going in for a young right-back this year.

Hector Bellerin has injury problems and Ainsley Maitland-Niles is still finding consistency in the position. Calum Chambers is basically a centre-back now, as well as having his own injury to deal with. There’s an opening for a talented backup option.