Arsenal prepare offer for Brazilian youngster to add to Rice and Timber transfers

12 Jul 2023 20:29 BST
2 min read

Arsenal have made an approach for Gremio midfielder Bitello according to reports in Brazil after sending representatives to watch the 23-year-old in action.

Bitello is a relatively unknown quantity, having come through the Gremio academy, and only making his debut for the team last season, where he scored eight times in 36 games as his side were promoted from Brazil’s Serie B.

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The midfielder has never been capped by Brazil at any level but Arsenal are known to have a strong long-term presence in Brazil, in part due to sporting director Edu Gaspar.

PROFILE: Everything you need to know about Bitello, Arsenal's latest target from Brazil

The Gunners have often signed little-known young talent from Brazil, such as Gabriel Martinelli, who was playing in the country’s Serie D before making a £6 million move to Arsenal in 2019, where he has since become an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s team.

While Bitello may be older than Arsenal’s usual targets from Brazil, the outlet Correio do Povo report that a proposal is expected from the English side in the coming days.

Gremio are likely to demand £8.5m for their 70% stake in Bitello and Arsenal would be required to negotiate with the player’s representatives for the remaining portion of his rights due to the Premier League not allowing third-party ownership.

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Arsenal are still yet to confirm the signings of Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice despite agreements for both players being in place for more than a week, although both deals are likely to be wrapped up imminently.

The arrival of both players would take Arsenal’s summer outlay to around £200m after the Gunners signed Kai Havertz for £65m from Chelsea last month.

The focus could then shift to outgoings before any further signings are considered, with the likes of Thomas Partey and Folarin Balogun potential candidates to join Granit Xhaka in leaving Arsenal this summer.

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However, the relatively cheap transfer for Bitello could progress irrespective of other deals, with the Gunners still wanting to watch the midfielder in action before making a formal offer.