Lucas Silva: Arsenal join Southampton and Manchester United in hunt for Real Madrid midfielder

Gunners join the race to sign hotly-tipped youngster

(Getty)

Arsenal have thrown their hat into the ring to sign Real Madrid midfielder Lucas Silva, joining Manchester United and Southampton, according to reports.

The 22-year-old has been informed by Madrid boss Rafa Benitez that he is surplus to requirements in Spain, alerting a host of Premier League clubs to his availability.

Silva, a Brazilian international at under-21s level, has made just 8 first-team appearances for the La Liga giants after signing from Cruzeiro for £9.7m in 2015.

Saints eye a move for the ace should they lose wantaway midfielder Victor Wanyama, who is reportedly keen on a switch to Tottenham, while United would like extra cover for Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger.

But Arsenal have recently emerged as the favourites to secure his signature, according to the Daily Express, despite late interest from Marseille and Napoli.