Arsenal are to beat off intense competition and tie up the signing of Brazilian international starlet Bernard.
The 20-year old is – according to French news giants L’Equipe – preparing for a medical on Friday in which he will earn up to £3million-per-year.
Wanted man
The attacking midfielder had been wanted by Tottenham, Shaktar Donetsk, Porto and Borussia Dortmund but Arsenal are now favourites to complete a deal worth up to £21million.
The 5ft 4” midfielder has already accepted he will leave Atletico Mineiro at the end of the season, after he plays in the Copa Libertadores final with the likes of Ronaldinho and Jo.
However Arsene Wenger has opposed the deal, denying that a deal for Bernard is near. Speaking on Arsenal’s tour of Asia, shortly after the side’s easy 3-1 victory over the Frenchman’s former side Grampus Eight Nagoya, Wenger claimed:
"That report is not true." When asked about the Bernard deal.
Typical Arsene!
Starlet
The Brazilian is nearing his 100th appearance for Mineiro and has 21 goals in all competitions. His height was initially an issue – he was rejected twice by the Belo Horizonte club – but Bernard now has 5 caps for Brazil and showed his face twice in the 2013 Confederations Cup campaign which ended successful.
Atletico head coach Cuca has already admitted he will be unable to keep the Brazil club’s prize asset:
“Atletico Mineiro won’t be able to keep Bernard, but this is natural,” Cuca is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
“We have to take advantage of having him in Libertadores and if he leaves, as it seems it will happen, it’s up to us to develop another player like him.”
However the question of funds continues to arise as the deals for Luis Suarez and Gonzalo Higuain look to be pushed through, which would use up to £75million.
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