Arsenal are progressing well in talks with Brazilian side, Gremio for the signing of 23 year old playmaker, João Paulo de Souza Mares, commonly known as Bitello.
First contact was made last month and a fee of around €8 million has been discussed between both club, with agreement seemingly very close.
There’s been a breakthrough in negotiations but Arsenal’s focus on outgoings, has seen the deal delayed so far.
The Gunners are in no rush to complete the deal as they have been fortunate to land their priorities, with Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice all joining earlier in the window.
Arsenal will take their time but the deal is odds on to happen.
“Yeah that is progressing, it is going a bit slow. I think Arsenal have had other issues they’ve been dealing with. It’s not an expensive deal, Gremio are looking for a €10m (£7.5m) deal, it is a deal Edu has picked out,” says 90 mins correspondant, Graeme Bailey.
“they really want the player, they like him a lot, they’ve done their homework on him. I think Arsenal believe they are favourites for him, but there is interest from elsewhere, Monaco, Porto, Zenit St Petersburg, They don’t have it all their own way, but Arsenal are confident of getting him in.” he added.
Bitello is a versatile player, who can play in midfield or on the wings. He made his debut for Gremio in March 2021 and has ammased 85 more appearances for the club, scoring 17 goals and registering seven assists.
Kehinde Hassan
