Arsenal continue to look busy in the transfer market even after spending over £200million ($257m) on new players this summer. Mikel Arteta’s side have added to their squad in key areas already with the incomings of Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber but aren’t done yet.
They are searching for sales in order to fund a late push in the final five weeks before their window of opportunity closes but that the lack of activity away from the Emirates Stadium hasn’t stopped things from moving on either way.
It is reported in Italy that Gremio midfielder Bitello is now finalising a move to London in a deal thought to be worth £8million ($10m). The 23-year-old is an all-action player that can operate across the centre of the park and has gained interest from across Europe.
Monaco are said to have made an offer for the player but now, Tuttomercatoweb suggest that Arsenal have beaten off Serie A suitors to secure a deal for the player with things now in the final stages.
Maickal Portela, his agent, says such reports aren’t true and Fabrizio Romano has dampened the talks as well. “I’m aware that there have been reports claiming a deal is close for Arsenal to sign Bitello from Gremio this week,” he said. “But I’m not sure things are as advanced as others have suggested.
“My understanding is that Bitello is one of many talents followed and monitored by Arsenal’s South American scouting team. He’s doing very well at Gremio. Let’s see if they will open talks in the next days.
“Rumours have been there for one month. But we’re still waiting for an official move or bid at the moment.”
football.london says: What certainly seems clear at this stage is that Arsenal are advancing with moves despite their relative lack of available funds. It is a ‘sign first and worry later’ approach and so far there’s very little to say against it.
Arsenal have had great success in securing three major transfers to directly head into their first team and less risky, potentially high-reward moves for promising squad assets are easy enough to secure as well. With the midfield being the main port of call for Edu Gaspar it shouldn’t be a surprise to see more players being looked at like this.
Gabriel Martinelli and Marquinhos have both made the switch from Brazil to London with subsequent ease and Bitello may well end up becoming the next one. Even if things are at a slightly earlier stage than they have been reported to be, Arsenal in a good position to buy those that they desire and that alone is a much stronger place than can be said of previous windows.
If there is uncertainty over the position of Bitello then there is even more with Mohammed Kudus. The Ghana star is in the middle of a transfer battle between Chelsea and Arsenal with both teams keen on securing a move for the 22-year-old.
Having missed training with Ajax last week due to a small injury, Kudus is said to be ‘close’ to agreeing personal terms with the Blues. It is a blow for the Gunners who are said to be unable to meet the £40million ($51m) asking price at the current moment due to their massive spend so far.
Without the sales to go with that Arsenal have been left to ponder a move but recent reports could change their thinking. It is said that Kudus would prefer a move to north London if it came down to making a choice between the two. Although he is also open to signing at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal now know that they have the upper hand.
football.london says: Arsenal may well be aware that Kudus is keen to join them in a preference but the tale of Mykhailo Mudryk will be all too fresh in their mind.
Source: Football.london
