Arsenal 'are plotting a summer move for Peru defender Jhilmar Lora'

A change in work permit rules since Brexit has seen Arsenal 'closely monitor' the South American market - with Peruvian right back Jhilmar Lora reportedly among their summer targets.

Brexit brought a shift in rules around UK entry visas and has made it more difficult for Premier League teams to sign players from second tier European leagues.

Non-EEA (European Economic Area) players are only eligible for a move to England if 'they are internationally established at the highest level' and 'whose employment will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level'.

As a result, football.london report that Arsenal have turned their attentions to the South American market.

Brazil, Mexico and Argentina’s leagues are ranked in the top grouping by the FA, making it an attractive option for team's looking to circumvent issues around work permits.

Regular starters in those leagues - particularly if their club team is in the CONCACAF Champions League or Copa Libertadores - are much more likely to meet the FA criteria for a work permit, even if they haven’t been prolifically capped internationally.

Gabriel Martinelli, 20, joined from Brazilian third division side Ituano in 2019 and he has since established himself as one of the Premier League's most exciting young players.

Now, Edu and boss Mikel Arteta are said to be targeting 21-year-old defender Lora.

The Peru international has played six times for his country and is highly rated as a rising star with domestic side Club Sporting Cristal, who play in the top division in Peru.

The report goes on to add that Arsenal want three players in the summer, as they continue their push to end this current season with Champions League football.

Arsenal reportedly want three players with a striker - to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after he left for Barcelona - and a central midfielder two priority positions for Arteta and his coaching staff.