Arsenal ‘following’ player for ‘some time’ – Club ‘willing to negotiate’ sale in January

Arsenal are in the mix to sign Vitória Guimarães’ Ibrahima Bamba in the winter market, according to a report from Portugal.

The defensive midfielder has not yet represented Italy’s senior team but was summoned by Roberto Mancini for the training camp that took place earlier this month.

Saturday’s edition of O Jogo explained the Primeira Liga side gave the 20-year-old permission to spend Christmas in his country and return to the club at the start of next week. The report then states the Italian will not continue at Vitória Guimarães for long.

That’s because Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Club Brugge and Atalanta have been ‘following’ him for ‘some time’ with a view for the January window. That’s about the only information mentioned about the Gunners.

Bamba signed a new deal with his current employer in October and the contract lasts until 2026. Despite this, O Jogo report Vitória Guimarães are ‘willing to negotiate’ his sale next month if they were to receive a ‘significant financial’ offer.

There’s no mention of a figure or range that can convince the Portuguese club to let go of the player.

However, Vitória Guimarães are willing to sell Bamba and Arsenal need to make an offer that can convince them, if they wish to sign him in January.