Arsenal are likely to “intensify” their interest in Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, according to Goal Brazil journalist Raisa Simplicio.

The Gunners are considering potential alternatives to Sassuolo’s Manuel Locatelli who has reportedly rejected the chance to move to the Emirates.

Simplicio claims Guimaraes has been “closely followed” by technical director Edu for a number of years, back to the time when he was working with Brazil’s youth setup.

Arsenal’s interest in the player was even reported before the midfielder made the switch to Lyon in the 2020 January transfer window, but the Ligue One side are already willing to sell up.

They are struggling to balance the books following the collapse of a TV rights deal, with Simplicio suggesting that they “need the cash”. Even so, it is believed Guimaraes won’t be sold for less than €35m (£30m).

The Gunners are said to have already made enquiries about the player ahead of a possible offer so we shall see how this develops.