Arsenal have tabled a formal offer for Gremio midfielder Bitello, according to Brazilian journalist Rafael Pfeiffer.
Italian website TMW have reported that the Gunners are close to finalising a deal for the 23-year-old, with a bid of €8m (£6.9m), and taking to Twitter, Pfeiffer confirmed that the “offer” was “made”:
Bitello no Arsenal: proposta feita. Valores abaixo do planejado. A tentativa do Grêmio.
Confere no canalhttps://t.co/hYJLTJBLzV@KTO_brasil pic.twitter.com/Mfv1O06x8s— Rafael Pfeiffer (@rafapfeiffer) July 25, 2023
Bitello has been regularly linked with a move to the Emirates in the Brazilian press over the past few weeks, and it does appear that Arsenal have made an official approach for the player.
At the moment Pfeiffer and TMW‘s information has not been corroborated by journalists in the UK, but we shall see if that changes.
Gremio may hold out for a higher fee
While it has been suggested that Arsenal are confident about sealing Bitello’s signature, Pfeiffer says the offer is “lower” than Gremio expected.
The Brazilian side were hoping for at least €10m (£8.6m) so more negotiation on the price may be required.
Doubts over Bitello’s work permit
One of the main concerns about Arsenal’s attempt to sign the Brazilian was whether he would actually qualify for a UK work visa.
A points system is in place for foreign players, which takes into account their caps at national level, as well as participation in continental club competitions.
However, Bitello has never played for Brazil, not even at youth level, while he has made just one solitary appearance in the Copa Sudamericana. It would, therefore, be a surprise if the UK’s Home Office were to approve a work permit. Perhaps there is some sort of special dispensation that Arsenal believe will help them get the approval they need but we shall see how this transfer story develops.
