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Arsenal have been tipped to sign Santos left-back Joao Victor de Souza ahead of Chelsea this summer, according to Caught Offside.
The Blues were keen on signing the 18-year-old earlier this month, but the player was not convinced over a move to west London.
Chelsea proposed to loan him out to Strasbourg for next season, and this did not go well with the youngster and his representatives.
The Gunners are now prepared to take advantage. They are reportedly in pole position to sign Joao, dubbed as the 'new Marcelo'.
The teenager has caught the eye with his attacking and defensive skills, and Arsenal seem keen on recruiting him at the end of the season.
They are prepared to assure Joao a first-team berth and it remains to be seen how manager Mikel Arteta will accommodate him.
Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori are the regular picks at left-back. Joao's arrival could see the former move into midfield.
Written by Sri Aswin
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