Are Arsenal In Discussions Over Bernard?

Are Arsenal In Discussions Over Bernard?

Atletico Miniero winger Bernard has been speaking about his future to the media, as speculation looms over Arsenal’s reported interest in the Brazilian ace, who has left the decision over his future to the club’s board after winning the Copa Libertadores for the side.

Arsene Wenger has been working on various deals over the summer, and since many of these players are targeted by multiple clubs, a signature over the dotted line may take longer than usual. However, time is surely running out for Wenger, who has seen Manchester City snap up Stevan Jovetic from Fiorentina. Another striker who did not pick a move to the Emirates Stadium was Gonzalo Higuain, who had been linked with a move ever since he declared his intentions of leaving Real Madrid.


Bernard is one such winger who has been scouted by many clubs over the past two years. The winger’s progress at the club has been tremendous, and has attracted interest from all over Europe. Atletico reportedly declined an offer from Russian side Spartak Moscow for a reported fee of £9.8 million. Spartak wanted to buy the player in December, but the move would never materialize midway through the campaign.

Arsenal’s primary winger is Theo Walcott, who would use his pace to run down the flank and deliver assists to the strikers. But the England international has partially taken up the mantle of the striker after seeing team mate Robin van Persie leave the club for Manchester United. This transition saw the Gunners without a traditional winger in their side, and had been lacking wing-play throughout the campaign. According to reports emerging in London, Gervinho, who would also play as a wide attacker, is being targeted by AS Roma.

Wenger will have to increase pressure on the board to release funds, or see more targets being snatched by rival clubs. Arsenal supporters are growing increasingly frustrated by the club’s inactivity in the market, despite the board’s promise to have funds available for the manager.

According to Sky Sports, Bernard spoke about his future, and left the decision to the Atletico board.

The winger said, “I don’t know what can happen with me, but if I leave, I know I will have done my job,”

“I have said a thousand times that I want to stay, but it doesn’t depend on me now.”

“I made it clear that, if I stay or not, I wanted to leave here with an important title. It’s up to God to decide if I stay or not, up to God, [Atletico Mineiro’s] presidency and the board.”

This story is rumored to be happening one day and then is denied by Wenger the next so we are just going to have and wait and see as usual, but the powers-that-be at the Emirates must surely sense the impatience mounting amongst all the Gooners across the world?