Arsenal are keeping tabs on Flamengo left-back Ayrton Lucas, according to reports in the Brazilian media.

Both the Gunners and Juventus are believed to be weighing up moves for the 25-year-old this summer to reinforce their backlines.

Lucas has been spent most of his career in Brazil, although he did play in Russia with Spartak Moscow for a couple of years before returning to his homeland after the war broke out in Ukraine.

Since moving to Flamengo, the defender has won both the Brazilian Cup and the Copa Libertadores, with his performances apparently drawing the attention of sporting director Edu.

A potential replacement for Kieran Tierney?

With Tierney said to be unhappy with the amount of game time he has been getting, it does appear as if Arsenal are taking precautions by scouting players who could replace the Scottish international.

Newcastle are widely regarded as favourites to secure the former Celtic defender’s signature, although the Gunners are believed to have slapped a £30m price tag on the player.

Are Arsenal targeting other left-backs?

In addition to Lucas, Mikel Arteta’s side have considered making a move for Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo, who is expected to leave the Etihad in the coming weeks.

The Portuguese international is unlikely to be available on the cheap, though, and that is why Edu is looking at potential alternatives.

While the Gunners do reportedly have a sizeable transfer budget, a lot of the funds will be devoted to signing midfielders and, potentially, a centre-back.

Bringing in a backup for Oleksandr Zincehnko will have to be considered if Tierney leaves but they are not going to spend a huge amount on a player who will be sitting on the bench for the majority of the season. With that being the case, an offer for Lucas does seem like a genuine possibility.