‘Edu knows him’ – Journo names next Arsenal signing as Arteta identifies potential Partey replacement
Arsenal are reportedly pushing to sign Gremio midfielder Bitello this summer, as Mikel Arteta looks to bring in more midfield recruits.
The manager has already signed Declan Rice on a £105m deal but is keen to further strengthen that area ahead of the coming season.
A number of names have been mentioned. Southampton’s Romeo Lavia is one player Arsenal have on their shortlist, for instance, as do Liverpool.
According to transfer journalist Paul Brown, however, Bitello is the most likely midfielder to make the switch to the Emirates.
“Arsenal are trying to sign another midfielder. At the moment, the favourite is Bitello from Brazil,” Brown told GiveMeSport.
“Edu knows him very well and has watched him a few times already. I think he’s 23 years old and is expected to have a very bright future and wouldn’t cost the earth.
“I don’t believe Arsenal have actually made a firm bid to sign him yet, but I think that’s the next player that they might be trying to target.”
A report from TEAMtalk recently claimed that Arsenal had ‘sent representatives’ to watch Bitello and potentially discuss a deal with Gremio.
This comes amid growing speculation over the future of Thomas Partey.
He is thought to be a target for several Saudi clubs, although Arteta is holding out for an ‘important fee.’ Interestingly, Manchester United have also emerged as potential suitors for him.
As mentioned by Brown, a concrete offer from Arsenal for Bitello is yet to materialise. Their interest in the 23-year-old remains, however.
The midfielder has been in good form over the last two seasons. Playing in Brazilian Serie B last term, he scored seven goals and assisted three times.
In 13 games in the Serie A this season, Bitello has scored three times. The midfielder also has one goal and one assist in seven games in the Copa do Brasil.
The Brazilian is unlikely to become an instant starter at the Emirates. If Thomas Partey does leave, though, he could be a good backup option for Rice.
Despite Arsenal’s interest, Gremio’s president Alberto Guerra recently confirmed no bid has been made for Bitello, yet.
“There are a lot of people watching Bitello, but there is no proposal, even to reassure our fans, at the moment,” he told Brazilian TV show Rede Sul, as quoted by The Evening Standard.
With that in mind, it will be interesting to see if Arsenal make a bid for Bitello in the next couple of weeks.
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