Arsenal are lining up a bid to take Brazilian midfielder Maicosuel to the Emirates Stadium in January, despite him only having joined Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim in the summer.

The ambitious village side acquired Maicosuel (full name Maicosuel Reginaldo de Matos) from Botafogo for €4.5million just a few months ago, and handed him a five-year contract.

He has impressed for the Sinsheim in the opening months of the season, which has reportedly led to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger showing an interest.

The News of the World claim that the Frenchman has been impressed with Maicosuel's style of play and wishes to add him to the Gunners ranks as soon as January.

A move would seem unlikely given the length of the player's contract and his importance to Hoffenheim, with the Bundesliga side likely to ask for more than double what they paid for him over the summer.

However, with the promise of UEFA Champions League football as well as the chance to play alongside compatriot Denilson, Maicosuel's head could be swayed this winter.