Arsenal have apparently leapfrogged Chelsea in the race for Benfica star Talisca, with the Gunners hoping to sign him in January, as reported by the Daily Star.
Talisca would be targeted primarily if Lukas Podolski leaves the Emirates Stadium during the January window, with the north London side reportedly willing to pay up to £17 million for him.
The Brazilian attacking midfielder has emerged as a top talent this season while playing for Benfica, and despite not being a striker, he is the top scorer in the top flight of Portuguese football.
Talisca played for Brazil’s Under-21s against Bolivia on Friday, and Arsene Wenger sent scouts to watch him.
This was the third time that the club had had Talisca reviewed.
Having been impressed by his displays, the Gunners have now made contact with his agent to discuss a possible deal.
Work permit problems stopped him making the switch to the Premier League in the summer, but that might change and see him join an English side in the future.
Talisca has scored six goals in seven games in Portugal.
