BREAKING: Mikel Arteta is set to secure Arsenal’s version of ‘David Beckham’ after ‘exceptionally versatile’ player admitted he’s keen on joining the Gunners- Arsenal’s Sporting Direct has a very great relationship with player’s club
Arsenal are preparing a formal offer to sign Gremio midfielder Bitello, according to Brazilian outlet Correio do Povo.
The Gunners have been busy in the summer transfer window, and they have already spent over £200 million on signings.
Kai Havertz has already joined from Chelsea while Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber should be unveiled to the fans very soon.
It now appears the Gunners are looking to add another midfielder to their ranks, and have their sights on pursuing Bitello.
Representatives from the club have travelled to Porto Alegre to watch the 23-year-old in action against Bahia tonight.
Correio do Povo add that a formal offer is on the cards, and an official document is expected to arrive in the coming days.
Gremio are looking for £8.6m for 70 per cent of the player’s rights they own. Arsenal are prepared to meet that figure.
BITELLO WOULD BE A VERSATILE SIGNING FOR ARSENAL
The Brazilian is a very versatile player. He can operate anywhere in midfield including the number six role.
However, he also has the ability to play on the right side of the attack with his good dribbling skills.
This season, Bitello has registered seven goals and four assists from 33 outings for Gremio.
He has averaged 1.3 take-ons per league game while winning an impressive 1.6 tackles and 6.9 duels.
The 23-year-old has a passing accuracy of 84 per cent which is good. He is mostly an attacker.
Arsenal’s interest in Bitello has come out of the blue, but Edu Gaspar could be behind the decision.
The Gunners sporting director has very good contacts with clubs in the Brazilian top-flight.
We should get a clearer idea on Arsenal’s pursuit of Bitello in the next few days.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
