Arsenal make move for £10m Baptista

However, although Dein also stopped off at the Nou Camp to speak to the Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, the future of Thierry Henry was not on the agenda for discussion.

Arsenal were linked with Santos striker Robinho but he appears bound for Real Madrid and Baptista, who could cost around £10m, has now emerged as their main target.

Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, watched the 23-year-old Brazilian international in action during last month's Confederations Cup tournament.

Although Baptista came to Seville in 2003 from Sao Paulo as a defensive midfielder, nicknamed "The Beast" due to his uncompromising style, he has made a successful switch to playing in attack, scoring 18 goals in La Liga last season. However, he has refused to sign a new contract at Seville, which has alerted Arsenal to his availability.