Arsenal have reportedly sent scouts to watch Palmeiras midfielder Danilo ahead of a potential bid in January.
Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz was the Gunners' primary target on deadline day, however the clubs could not agree a deal, so the North London club then turned their attention to the 21-year-old.
According to a report from Yahoo Esportes, a representative of the player claimed that Mikel Arteta's side launched a late bid on deadline day.
"On the day of the closing of the window in England, Arsenal went to Palmeiras and said they would pay €25m (£21m)," claimed an agent of the Palmeiras man.
The outlet adds that a fee of £26m would be enough for the Brazilian club to consider selling the player in the January transfer window.
Arsenal could look to bolster numbers in midfield to maintain their Premier League title challenge, as Thomas Partey has struggled with injury throughout his career at the Emirates.