Arsenal are interested in signing Athletico Paranaense’s defensive midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, the club’s president Mario Celso Petraglia has confirmed.
Reports last month suggested both Arsenal and Chelsea were fighting it out to sign Guimaraes, with scouts from the London clubs deployed to Brazil to watch the 22-year-old in action.
Both clubs are believed to be on the hunt for a defensive-minded midfielder this month, and feedback on Guimaraes has been extremely positive.
However, Portuguese side Benfica are also interested in the Brazil Under-23 international, who has scored three goals in 45 appearances in the Brazilian top flight, and they’ve made a formal approach to sign him.
Paranaense president Petraglia confirmed their bid has arrived at the club during an interview with O Jogo.
“Yes it’s true. Yesterday came the official offer from Benfica to sign Bruno Guimaraes,” said Petraglia. “Let’s study Benfica’s offer. On Monday we will meet the club board to assess this situation.”
While the Gunners have not made an official bid for the youngster, Petraglia believes the north London club could table an offer for the midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window.
“Arsenal are interested,” he added, “but will only make an offer towards the end of the season.”
Mikel Arteta is prioritising a move for a central defender this month after Calum Chambers was ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious knee injury.
The Spaniard confirmed he’s keen to improve his defensive options – and moves for Jerome Boateng, Dayot Upamecano and Nathan Ake have all been mooted in recent weeks.
“My obligation is to give my opinion on the things we can improve,’ Arteta said. “Obviously we have a bad injury with Calum a few days ago that will change our plans at the back.
“The reality is we will not be able to do much. I’m more concerned about getting players back from injury and try to improve the players I have here, get everybody on board and understanding what we’re trying to do.
“And if something extra comes up and we think it is the right opportunity to improve what we have, then let’s do it.”
