Arsenal are interested in signing Palmeiras centre-back Luis Benedetti ahead of the January transfer window, according to reports in Brazil.

Journalist Diego Firmino claims the Gunners have “entered” the battle to sign the 19-year-old but they are facing competition from Barcelona.

The La Liga champions are said to be prepared to pay around €12m (£10.4m) but Palmeiras are holding out for €15m (£13m).

Firmino says “talks” are ongoing, with it being hoped that the Gunners do firm up their interest as it would increase the likelihood of Palmeiras’ asking price being met.

What do fans need to know about Benedetti?

The defender has only made 9 senior appearances, having made his first-team debut for Palmeiras against Portuguese in the Paulista State Championship back in mid-January.

Benedetti has subsequently gone on to play in the Copa Libertadores and Brazil’s Serie A. He was also included in the squad for the Club World Cup, although he didn’t make an appearance, only making the substitutes bench once against Chelsea in the quarter-finals.

Palmeiras are reluctant to let him go as he only signed a new four-year contract back in April.

Do Arsenal need another centre-half?

Benedetti is left-footed, and it does raise questions about where he would fit in, considering the Gunners have just recruited Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen.

The Ecuadorian international is currently only on loan at the Emirates but the purchase option is really an obligation to buy, so he is expected to make the switch permanent in July next year.

For that reason, there would be very little room for a player of Benedetti’s profile in Arteta’s squad. There is a possibility that he could be loaned back to Palmeiras or loaned out to another team for one or more seasons after he signs. That would allow him to gain the necessary first-team experience.

Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here