Arsenal are on the verge of finalising the signing of Bitello from Gremio for less than the fee that was originally requested, according to reports.
So far this summer, Arsenal have signed some established talents to strengthen the squad that finished as runners up in the Premier League last season. The likes of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber have joined from West Ham, Chelsea and Ajax respectively.
While all those players have a relatively large amount of experience, they fit into Arsenal’s recent policy of buying into potential as well.
And the same strategy is seemingly being applied again in their pursuit of Bitello, who at the age of 23 has already blossomed into a useful player for Gremio in the Brazilian top flight.
Arsenal’s interest in the midfielder was revealed earlier this month. Now, an update from Tuttomercatoweb has explained why they should be getting optimistic.
According to the Italian source, Bitello was on the radar of several Serie A sides. They are all set to face disappointment, though, after learning that Arsenal are closing in on the capture of the South American star.
It is claimed that Arsenal will close the signing of Bitello in the coming week. The transfer fee they will be paying will be €8m, equating to around £7m.
Sporting director Edu has secured a discount on Gremio’s original demand for a €10m (£8.6m) fee.
Bitello to bring versatility to Arsenal
It remains to be seen what plans Mikel Arteta would have for Bitello. He might not be an instant starter for Arsenal, but is also of an age where he could compete for a place.
Should Arsenal get the deal over the line as expected, Bitello will earn his first taste of football outside his native Brazil, for whom he has never been capped internationally even at youth level.
Gremio were due to have Bitello – who has scored 16 goals from 85 appearances for them – under contract until 2025, but Arsenal appear to be succeeding with their attempts to lure him to England.
They already have some Brazilian talent in their squad, such as Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Magalhaes. Just over a year ago, they brought in Marquinhos too, before he spent the second half of last season on loan at Norwich City.
Bitello could be the next player to join Arsenal from a Brazilian side. For Gremio this year, he has featured in a variety of positions, including defensive or attacking midfield and on the right wing.