Arsenal are closing a deal for the transfer of Grêmio midfielder Bitello, according to reports.
The claims this time come from the Italian media, where TuttoMercatoWeb speaks about the race for the player.
It’s claimed that even though Bitello had been linked to Serie A sides, a deal between Grêmio and Arsenal ‘will be closed’ this week.
TuttoMercatoWeb says that despite an initial request of €10m from the Brazilian club, the Gunners are getting a ‘slight discount’ and will buy the player for just €8m.
It’s been weeks since the South American media started reporting Arsenal’s interest in Bitello, with reports saying they had sent emissaries to scout him and finalise a deal.
It’s just interesting that despite being on the money with transfers, the Brazilian media is still to report that the Gunners have a deal with Grêmio for the move, so the news is being fully broken by the Italian press.
Bitello is already 23, and is undoubtedly a big gamble that Edu Gaspar is placing on a compatriot who’s still to prove himself on a top level.