Arsenal are tracking Benfica full-back Lorenzo Melgarejo, according to
Goal.com. The Gunners have reportedly enquired about the Paraguayan international, according to his agent Juan Gabriel Appleyard, though the North London outfit face competition from Turkish giants Fenerbahce. The South American featured in Benfica's Europa League final defeat to Chelsea last month and is valued at £5 million, and while both Fenerbahce and Arsenal maintain an interest, neither have yet made an official bid for the 22-year old. Appleyard told
Radio Monumental:
"Arsenal and Fenerbahce have enquired about Melgarejo but so far there has been nothing concrete."
Melgarejo, who operates as a flying wing-back, joined Benfica from Paraguayan side Independiente in 2011 and featured 39 times for the Portuguese side last season, scoring twice and providing five assists. He has also been capped by his country at senior level after making three appearances at U-20 level. Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis has promised long-suffering Arsenal fans a busy summer of transfer activity this year as the Gunners aim to end a run of eight years without winning silverware. Manager Arsene Wenger reportedly has upwards of £70 million to spend on players during the current window as he looks to strengthen his squad ahead of next season's title challenge. Arsenal
have been linked with a number of star players this summer including Borussia Dortmund's lkay Gundogan, Bayer Leverkusen's Lars Bender and Gonzalo Higuaín of Real Madrid. Moves for Manchester United's out-of-favour Wayne Rooney and Everton's Marouane Fellaini
have also been touted.