Report: Arsenal add Brazilian as new name on list of midfield targets with West Ham also keen on deal

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Arsenal and West Ham are both keen on signing the Brazilian midfielder, Wendel, from Zenit St Petersburg this summer.

Wendel, 24, could be on his way out of Zenit with the ongoing issues in Russia still affecting sporting competitions in that region of the world. Having won two Russian league title with Zenit and one previously in Portugal, the midfielder already has a reputation as being a serial winner.

And according to Globo Esporte, his impressive performances with Zenit have attracted admiring glances from both Arsenal and the Hammers, while Brazilian side Flamengo are also keen as well. It should be noted that Globo puts Flamengo in pole position, with the Gunners and West Ham watching on.

The 24-year-old plays predominantly as a holding midfielder but can slot in further forward if needed. He’s played more than 50 games for Zenit, building on the 70+ appearances he made with Sporting Lisbon before.

Both Arsenal and West Ham remain very active in this summer window. David Moyes hasn’t quite got the players he’d like just yet. Mikel Arteta, though, has had success, with Edu going and getting Gabriel Jesus to sign, among others.

TBR’s View: Wendel One To Watch For Arsenal And West Ham Fans

You must have something about you if you’re winning three league titles by the age of 24, so Wendel is certainly one to watch out for here.

For Arsenal, he’d be yet another Brazilian to add to the contingent already doing well in North London. While for West Ham, it would represent a smart signing and beating a London rival to a player.

Players have come to England from Russian and done well in the past, so there is no reason why Wendel cannot shine.