January Transfer Window: Arsene Wenger Keen on Adding Brazilian Starlet Casemiro

Insidefutbol.com reports that Arsenal are one of a host of major European clubs who hope to land talented young Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.

The report states that Arsenal face stiff competition from several of the biggest teams in Serie A, including both Milan sides.

Casemiro currently plies his trade for South American giants Sao Paulo, a club Arsenal already have a relationship with following the loan of Denilson.

Casemiro is a highly-touted prospect in his homeland and shone in the recent Under-20 World Cup.  The 19-year-old prodigy is said to be more of an energetic and combative, box-to-box midfielder, rather than the cultured attacking type of midfielder Arsenal currently heavily favour.

Casemiro is the latest in a long line of teenage midfield prospects being linked with a January move to Arsenal.

The rumours could have some real merit.  Arsene Wenger has long had a fondness for the more steely and industrious type of Brazilian player.

The Gunners boss coaxed great service out of fellow Brazilians who played in a manner similar to Casemiro, such as Edu and Gilberto Silva.

If Arsenal can fend off the competition and secure the services of Casemiro in January, it will represent something of a coup.

The move would provide the Arsenal midfield with a technically proficient and resourceful player, who should be able to contribute sooner, rather than later.