Arsenal are closing in on the signing of 15-year-old Brazilian defender Wallace Oliveira dos Santos from Fluminense, according to a report in The People today.

Alan Nixon claims: "Wenger's aides have set up a New Year move for the youth team star, who can play full-back or centre-half and will only turn 16 in January."

Nixon adds: "The Fluminense ace is playing for Brazil in a tournament next month but is due to come to London for talks and a medical after being monitored by the Gunners for a year."

Arsenal’s scouts in Brazil have been busy of late and are keeping a special eye on Fluminense. Reports earlier this month claimed that the Gunners have also signed highly-rated 16-year-old striker Wellington Silva who also plays for Fluminense.