Arsenal are still looking to add another attacker, but they could yet bring in one more defender before the transfer window shuts.

The Gunners may be on the verge of completing another defensive signing before the market closes.

Arsenal have made no secret of their desire to strengthen an attack that misfired at times during their Premier League-winning season. However, they are still waiting to land a marquee forward, with left-winger Christos Tzolis the only attacking addition so far, arriving for a relatively modest fee.

Even so, the chance to recruit yet another defensive option may prove too tempting for manager Mikel Arteta to ignore, especially with a fresh opportunity emerging in recent days.

Arteta has already upgraded both his defence and defensive midfield this summer, with the arrivals of Ezri Konsa and Bruno Guimaraes costing a combined total of more than £120 million.

Now, ESPN Brazil reports that the champions may be preparing to spend again at the back, this time on Santos teenager Joao Ananias.

The Gunners are said to be one of several clubs tracking the 19-year-old. Brentford, Atletico Madrid and Besiktas are also interested, though the Istanbul club are the only side to have made a concrete offer so far.

The report adds that Benfica were close to signing Ananias for £6 million in June, but could not reach an agreement with Santos, who are reportedly treating those talks as a “reference point for any new talks”.

The centre-back is under contract until 2030, but Santos' financial position means player sales are needed, and his exit could help the club balance the books.

With Konsa now added to the squad, Arsenal have eight players capable of playing in central defence. The other seven are Ben White, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, Cristhian Mosquera, Pierro Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori.

FourFourTwo understands that Arsenal are being careful with the back injury Saliba suffered during the World Cup. Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Martin Zubimendi are also options who can fill in at full-back if needed, but it would not be out of character for Arteta to sign another developing centre-back.

Rob Holding was used as an emergency solution towards the latter stages of his Arsenal spell, with the Gunners relying on the long-serving central defender to reinforce the back line and provide experience, even when starting from the bench.

There is also 16-year-old Marli Salmon, who has already made four senior appearances in defence for Arsenal and could well play a part during this campaign.

According to Transfermarkt, Ananias is valued at €500k. Arsenal return to Premier League action against Aston Villa next weekend.