ARSENAL are reportedly set to meet with the representatives of Athletico Paranaense star Bruno Guimaraes.
The Brazilian club’s president Mario Celso Petraglia revealed the Gunners have been monitoring the 22-year-old midfielder.
Arsenal are reportedly set to meet with the representatives of Bruno GuimaraesCredit: Reuters
And they will make their next move as Globoesporte report that Arsenal technical director Edu will hold talks with the players reps in London.
It is claimed the meeting will take place within the “coming days” and a potential Emirates contract will be discussed.
Chelsea are also said to be interested in the Brazil Under-23s midfielder and both sides have sent scouts to watch him but so far Benfica are the only club to bid for Guimaraes.
The Portuguese giants lost Gedson Fernandes to Spurs on a one-and-a-half season loan deal.
And they offered Athletico £18.7million for Guimaraes, which the Brazilian club are still reviewing.
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.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
