ARSENAL are lining up a summer transfer for Atletico Paranaense star Bruno Guimaraes.
According to the Brazilian club’s president Mario Celso Petraglia, the Gunners have been monitoring the 22-year-old midfielder.
Guimaraes is being watched by Chelsea and ArsenalCredit: Reuters
Chelsea are also said to be interested in the Brazil U23s midfielder and both sides have sent scouts to watch him.
The London rivals are looking to bolster their midfields, but will face competition from Benfica, who are reportedly leading the race for his signature.
Addressing rumours that the Lisbon giants had made a bid, Petraglia told Portuguese outfit O Jojo: ”Yes it’s true. Yesterday came the official offer from Benfica to sign Bruno Guimaraes.
”Let’s study Benfica’s offer. We will meet the club board to assess this situation.”
The revelation will come as a blow to Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta, who has his hands tied in this transfer window.
Following a busy summer in which Unai Emery brought in six new names, the club has placed restrictions on any more signings in January.
However, Petraglia insists an offer from Arsenal is still on the table.
He said: ”Arsenal are interested, but will only make an offer towards the end of the season.”
Signing a defender is of high importance to Arteta, having Calum Chambers out with a long-term injury.
Jerome Boateng, Dayot Upamecano and Nathan Ake have been linked with moves to the Emirates in recent weeks.
A move for any of the three is unlikely until the end of the season though, and Arteta has now turned his focus to Manchester City centre-back John Stones.
It comes despite the fact that the 25-year-old has been riddled with injuries as well as a loss of form.
However, there has been no sign of a new contract offer from City.
Arteta is keen to keep Aubameyang
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
