Arsenal Reportedly Preparing January Move for Bahia Teenager Ramires

Arsenal are reportedly considering making a January move for Bahia midfielder Ramires after scouting the youngster on six occasions. 

According to Brazilian outlet UOL (h/t the Mirror's James Whaling), Bahia are prepared to sell the 18-year-old to an overseas club, and Arsenal is his "most likely" destination despite Atletico Madrid also being interested. 

Ramires has only made 11 senior appearances for Bahia since making his debut back in September.

However, so impressive has he been in his central-midfield role that the Brasileiro club have already extended his contract from 2019 to 2022, per Lucas Sposito of Sport Witness.

A box-to-box midfielder who thrives going forward, Ramires is largely untested, and there is no guarantee that he will make good on the enormous potential he has shown.

It would also likely help him to remain playing in Brazil for a longer period as, if he moves to Arsenal or Atleti, his game time is likely to be limited initially.

However, the Gunners are clearly eager to make their move before further competition emerges.

And Arsenal have also historically been a club prepared to give young players plenty of opportunities.

With Aaron Ramsey looking set to depart the Emirates Stadium soon and Mohamed Elneny out of favour and suffering injury problems, Arsenal could benefit from additions in the middle of the park.

Given how Ramires has impressed so far in his senior career he could be an exciting signing for the Gunners, and the reported number of times they have seen him play is an indication they are serious about making a move for the youngster.