Real Madrid are not the only club keen on signing Lucas Silva. As previously reported by MARCA, United and Arsenal are the Premier League sides keeping an eye on the Cruzeiro midfielder. However, Arsene Wenger has gone one step further and sent scouts out to Brazil to make first contact with the player.

In doing so, Wenger looks set to be Real Madrid's main competitor for the 21-year-old's signature, a player who has just won the Brasileirão league title and looks ready for a new challenge in Europe.

According to reports in 'The Sun' newspaper, Arsenal, whose midfield has been ravaged by injuries, is studying the viability of signing the Brazilian. The Gunners are prepared to meet Cruzeiro's asking price of €15m, although Lucas would prefer to join Real Madrid.

Lucas Rocha is the midfielder's agent and the man in touch with the clubs. The truth of the matter is that Real Madrid have not made up their mind yet, despite already informing Cruzeiro that they would be prepared to offer €12m for their midfielder.

The Real Madrid board see him as a player with huge potential, but they are aware of the risks associated with signing a player midway through the season. Without taking anything away from Lucas, Real Madrid know that it is not easy to hit the ground running, especially when arriving in Europe halfway through the campaign.