 Arsenal are preparing to submit an offer to sign Gremio midfielder Bitello, according to reports in Brazil. Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis Sign up Privacy Policy The Gunners are close to landing Declan Rice, their top summer target, after agreeing a £105 million deal with West Ham last week. But Mikel Arteta is looking to strengthen his midfield options even further following the departure of Granit Xhaka, who has joined Bayer Leverkusen in a £21.5m move. According to Radio Guaiba's Rafael Pfeiffer, Arsenal have now sent a representative to Brazil to make an opening offer for Bitello. It's reported that Arsenal scouts have been monitoring Bitello's performances and will watch him again in Gremio's clash with Bahia on Wednesday evening. Gremio currently own 70 per cent of Bitello's rights and are demanding a €10 million (£8.5m) transfer fee. The remaining 30 per cent are owned by his former club FC Cascavel, who play in the fourth tier of Brazilian football. Arsenal scouts have been tracking Bitello's performances in Brazil (SPP/Shutterstock) Bitello has been one of Gremio's standout performers this season with seven goals and four assists in 33 appearances. The 23-year-old, who has not been capped by Brazil's national side, is capable of playing in multiple midfield positions but has excelled in a central role this season. It's understood that Gremio are keen to keep Bitello for the remainder of the year, even if a sale is agreed this summer. Arsenal, meanwhile, are also expected to announce to the £40m signing of Ajax defender Jurrien Timber this week. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Arsenal are preparing to submit an offer to sign Gremio midfielder Bitello, according to reports in Brazil.
Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis
The Gunners are close to landing Declan Rice, their top summer target, after agreeing a £105 million deal with West Ham last week.
But Mikel Arteta is looking to strengthen his midfield options even further following the departure of Granit Xhaka, who has joined Bayer Leverkusen in a £21.5m move.