Arsenal now keen on signing South American star ahead of Liverpool

Arsenal are set to compete with Liverpool to sign Fluminense midfielder Andre, according to Brazilian journalist Thiago Ferreira.

The Gunners are currently well covered in the defensive midfield department following the big-money move for Declan Rice last summer.

However, it appears manager Mikel Arteta is eyeing more quality and depth in the position with Andre now emerging as a transfer target.

The Gunners are interested in the 22-year-old and are prepared to battle it out with Liverpool for his signature in 2024.

It is not specified whether the club will make a January approach, but that could well happen as Liverpool are lining up a move.

The Merseyside outfit were keen on signing Andre over the summer, but Fluminense refused to sell him midway through their campaign.

Arsenal could move for Andre this winter

The Gunners currently have Rice, Thomas Partey, Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny for the number six role.

We could see Partey and Rice starting together in the coming games. The former has recovered from his recent injury and Rice could operate from the number eight position.

A move for Andre could coincide with one of Jorginho or Elneny heading for the exit door. It could be the latter, considering he has been a fringe player for some time.

Elneny could have been released by the club this year, but they ended up renewing his contract instead after he picked up a serious knee injury during the January transfer window.

Andre would be a fantastic signing for the Gunners. He is strong with the ball at his feet. He has a passing accuracy of 95 per cent in the Brazilian top flight this season.

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He has won 2.1 tackles and 5.5 duels per game. The midfielder’s work rate has been splendid to watch, but he has a particular weakness when it comes to aerial challenges.

It remains to be seen whether the Gunners can convince Andre to move to north London without the guarantee of a starting role which could be offered to him at Liverpool.

The Reds are currently without a top-quality defensive midfielder in their squad. There is a good possibility that Andre could be drafted straight into their starting XI.

Stats from Sofascore.com

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