Arsenal had a deal in place for Lazio midfielder Hernanes last month, it has been revealed.
Gazzetta dello Sport says a deal was in place to take Hernanes to the Emirates before Mesut Ozil became available at Real Madrid.
Arsenal would have moved for Hernanes - valued at around £20m - had Real kept hold of Ozil.
Hernanes, 28, a central midfielder with 17 caps for Brazil, was looked at by Tottenham this summer before they signed Erik Lamela from Lazio's rivals Roma.
