Arsenal are one of the clubs looking to step up their interest in Coritiba right-back Yan Couto “in the coming days” according to Globo Esporte.

It was reported back in December that the Gunners were weighing up an offer for the 17-year-old, with his club said to be holding out for at least €5m (£4.2m).

Bayer Leverkusen are also believed to be interested in Couto, while it is said that the fullback’s agent has also spoken to one other European club about a move away from Brazil.

The teenager won’t be making his switch this month as he is prohibited from signing a professional contract until he is 18. His birthday is in June.

Couto has yet to make his senior debut for Coritiba but that is expected to change when his club feature in the Paranaense state championships later this month.

The defender was a key part of Brazil’s Under 17 World Cup triumph last year. In the final, he provided the assist for Lazaro’s winner against Mexico.