Arsenal and Gremio reportedly remain in talks over a deal for 23-year-old Brazilian midfielder Bitello, who wants to move to the Emirates.
According to a report by 90min, Bitello remains the subject of interest from Arsenal. And the Gunners remain in talks with Gremio over a deal for the young midfielder, whose price tag is €10 million. Meanwhile, the 23-year-old midfielder is keen on joining the North London club in the ongoing transfer window.
João Paulo de Souza Mares, commonly known as Bitello, spent his formative years in his homeland and has been in Brazilian throughout his professional career thus far. The Brazilian midfielder graduated from the Gremio academy before coming leaps and bounds in the last few years.
The 23-year-old has been a mainstay in the middle of the park for Gremio in the ongoing season. And he has produced a solid tally of seven goals and four assists in 36 appearances across all competitions. Bitello’s progress has not gone unnoticed either, with several clubs in Europe, including Arsenal, keen on signing him.
The Gunners have been active in the transfer market this summer, bolstering almost every department in the first-team squad. And after securing the services of Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and Jurrien Timber, Arsenal can now focus on signing players who can strengthen the squad’s depth.
Bitello’s name has thus emerged to beef up the midfield unit. And the Gunners have sent scouts to watch the 23-year-old Brazilian midfielder in action this year. The versatile midfielder can be an upgrade on Mohamed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga. And with the duo facing uncertain futures at the Emirates, Arsenal needed a new midfielder anyway.
Talks between Arsenal and Gremio got underway earlier in July. And widespread reports this week have been suggesting that the Gunners are closing in on securing Bitello’s services. But the update by 90min has claimed that the two clubs remain locked in negotiations. And the player is keen on joining the North London club this summer.
The 23-year-old Brazilian midfielder will cost only €10 million. So he will not set Arsenal back by much. And it will be interesting to see if Arsenal and Gremio can seal the agreement over a low-money deal. But the Gunners should secure Bitello’s services in a few days.
