Arsenal are now missing the perfect opportunity to solve key issue for just £8m

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Arsenal are in the market for a defender in the January transfer window, as an injury crisis at the back has made an addition necessary.

Oleksandr Zinchenko missed last week’s defeat to Fulham, Jurrien Timber is out for the long-term and Takehiro Tomiyasu is at the Asia Cup, potentially leaving centre-back Jakub Kiwior as the only player who can fill in at left-back available right now.

Jorrel Hato of Ajax has been linked, with Arsenal seemingly targeting a left-sided defender to boost their depth, but their financial fair play struggles will make a big-money transfer difficult to complete.

Smart scouting could allow Arsenal to land a bargain solution to what is a major squad issue in the January window, but they are now missing a potentially ideal option in Boca Juniors defender Valentin Barco.

Valentin Barco looks set for Brighton transfer despite Arsenal crisis

Barco has emerged as one of the top young prospects in South American football, having helped Boca Juniors reach the final of the Copa Libertadores.

The 19-year-old is a left-back who has also played on the wing and even in midfield roles for Boca, and has excelled in what was an underwhelming squad, as the Buenos Aires giants finished in seventh place last year.

Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Barco is of great interest to Brighton, who look set to activate his release clause in the coming weeks, which stands at around £8m.

Brighton’s success with transfers from South America saw them land previous Arsenal target Moises Caicedo for a low fee before landing a British record sale this summer, and Barco could follow a similar route if he ends up at the Amex Stadium this summer.

Barco could have been ideal for Mikel Arteta

Barco’s speed and versatility could have seen him provide cover for both Zinchenko and Gabriel Martinelli, and at 19, he has plenty of room to develop as a high-potential youngster.

Given his £8m release clause, he could have arrived for a bargain fee which would have not affected Arsenal’s financial fair play difficulties. Without sales, big transfers are highly unlikely in the winter window.

Even if Barco failed to settle, Arsenal would likely have been able to recover that fee in the summer given his age.

If the teenager succeeds at Brighton, it seems inevitable that his value will significantly increase, and Arsenal may end up looking back on this deal with some regret as it could have solved a short-term issue and been of long-term benefit.