Arsenal are closing on a deal for Sporting CP fullback Cristiano Piccini.

Jornal do Noticias says Arsenal are leading the race to sign Piccini.

The full-back is also being chased by Prem rivals West Ham and Italian giants Juventus.

But it is the Gunners who are in the driving seat to secure the 25-year-old.

Despite Arsene Wenger's departure at the end of the season, Arsenal's summer recruitment drive remains in full flow.

The report states that they have been impressed by Piccini's performances in his first season at Sporting.

But his exploits during the 22 matches he has played in have not gone unnoticed elsewhere.