Transfer: Arsenal to sign Brazilian midfielder for Arteta

Arsenal are preparing to submit an offer to sign Brazilian midfielder Bitello.

According to Radio Guaiba’s Rafael Pfeiffer, the Gunners have sent a representative to Brazil to make an opening offer for Bitello, who currently plays for Gremio.

It’s reported that the North London club scouts have been monitoring Bitello’s performances and will watch him again in Gremio’s clash with Bahia on Wednesday.

Gremio currently own 70 percent of Bitello’s rights and are demanding a €10 million transfer fee for the player.

The remaining 30 percent are owned by his former club FC Cascavel, who play in the fourth tier of Brazilian football.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are close to signing their top summer transfer target Declan Rice from West Ham United.

The North London club have agreed on a £105 million deal with West Ham United last week for Rice’s signature.

But Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is looking to strengthen his midfield options even further after the departure of Granit Xhaka.

Recall that Xhaka had joined Bayer Leverkusen in a £21.5 million move.