Arsenal have sent out a delegation to Brazil to thrash out terms for Gremio winger Everton, according to Calciomercato.it.
The Italian website reports that the Gunners have offered €35m, with Gremio demanding €45m. The €10m (£9m) difference in the clubs’ respective valuations could yet be bridged.
It is believed that a figure of €40m (£36m) could be agreed with Arsenal technical director Edu said to be directing negotiations.
Everton was excellent for Brazil at this summer’s Copa America, scoring and providing an assist in the final against Peru.
The 23-year-old overshadowed bigger names, including Philippe Coutinho, and established himself on the international stage in the absence of the injured Neymar.
It is believed that a number of teams are after Everton, with Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain having been linked with the Brazilian in recent days.
Arsenal will be hoping, though, that Edu’s contacts in Brazil will prove decisive in the reported negotiations.