Sporting Lisbon defender Cristiano Piccini has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal.

The Gunners are currently without a manager for next season with Arsene Wenger having announced that he will step down from his position in the dugout, but it appears that the Premier League side will continue to try to identify possible signings for the summer.

According to Jornal do Noticias, the North London outfit are currently regarded as favourites to push through a deal for the full-back.

Piccini only linked up with the Portuguese side last summer, but the Italian has impressed in his 30 appearances in all competitions.

Sporting only paid £2.6m for the player's signature, but it has been claimed that Arsenal are prepared to spend in the region of £17.5m.