Arsenal are looking to make a move for Paris Saint-Germain legend Thiago Silva on a free transfer this summer.
It is believed Arsenal are one of five Premier League sides chasing Silva who is set to be released by PSG at the end of the season.
According to sports site, 90min.com, Arsenal could face competition from Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Newcastle and West Ham.
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Also, clubs in his native Brazil, the MLS, China, Japan and Qatar are interested in Silva.
And the report adds that Arsenal may even bring Silva, 35, in to replace fellow Brazilian David Luiz, whose future remains uncertain amid a potential return to former club Benfica.
A source said: “Thiago is going to have his pick of clubs, once he decides where he wants to play.
“The chance to pick up a star like Thiago, despite his age, is clearly appealing and the interest in the Premier League is actually growing.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen to recruit another centre-back when the transfer window opens.
Dayot Upamecano, Samuel Umititi and Daniele Rugani are among the long list of names linked.
William Saliba will return from his season-long loan at Saint-Etienne and Pablo Mari could make his switch permanent.
Everton could be in a strong position to sign Silva with Carlo Ancelotti in charge at Goodison Park.
Ancelotti signed Silva at PSG in 2012 and the pair spent a year together before the Italian joined Real Madrid.
However, the centre-back also admitted early on during his time at PSG he would like to return to AC Milan at some point in his career.
He said: “I hope to follow Kaka’s footsteps by one day, even if not right now, coming back to Milan.
“Milan was a wonderful time for me. I send the fans a big kiss, hoping to see each other again soon.
“It’s a shame I went away without saying goodbye, but it was only because I didn’t know that I would be leaving Milan.”
Since arriving from AC Milan eight years ago, the defender has established himself a key figure in the PSG squad.
His tally of 287 appearances as captain – from a total of 310 – since 2012 makes Silva the longest-serving and most-capped captain in PSG’s history.
He has picked up seven Ligue 1 titles out of eight, and nine domestic cups.
But with Presnel Kimpembe and Marquinhos already established first-team stars, Abdou Diallo arriving from Borussia Dortmund last year and the likes of teenage pair Tanguy Kouassi and Loic Mbe Soh coming through, there are plenty of younger centre-back options for Thomas Tuchel.
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