Brazil: Arsenal Agree Pre-Contract Deal With Lenny

Reports in the Brazilian media suggest that Arsenal have agreed a pre-contract deal with Palmeiras forward Lenny that will see the twenty year old join the North London side on a free transfer in January.

Lenny's Palmeiras contract is due to expire at the end of the Brazilian season in December, and Arsenal are said to have sent a fax to the Sao Paulo side, making them aware of the agreement that they have in place with him.

Should the reports prove to be true, then it is anticipated that Lenny will be farmed out on loan upon his January arrival as it is highly unlikely that Arsenal would be able to make a case for him to receive a British work permit at this stage in his career.

Salamanca would be his probable destination, as Arsenal have a deal in place with the Spanish second division side to house non-EU players until they are able to apply for Spanish citizenship.

Arsene Wenger has been keeping track of the forward for a couple of years and was linked with a £3million move when Lenny was plying his trade for Fluminense in 2007. The youngster has made 12 appearances for Palmeiras in the 2008 Brazilian Championship, but has yet to find the back of the net.