Arsenal are reportedly stepping up their attempts to sign Gremio midfielder Bitello.
With most supporters having not watched a great deal of the Brazilian in action, compilation videos on Twitter having been circling and fans have offered differing verdicts on what they have seen:
This is the problem with comps. This one makes this guy look Messi levels
— TC (@corcc11) July 12, 2023
He looks good and does all the right things. Let’s see what happens.
— Uche Edochie (@ucheedochie) July 12, 2023
Viera is far better than him in comps.
— ساشين (@Qatarsenal) July 12, 2023
If it means getting rid of Vieira..bring him!!!!
— Babushka Boi (@PharmGatsby) July 12, 2023
Another fred
— Hamza kudu Muhammad (@HamzaMo78424330) July 12, 2023
So long as he is Brazilian,bring him.
— Damon (@Damon254k) July 12, 2023
Just know this guy is really really good🔥
— Ayu Ibrahim (@Ayu76213900) July 12, 2023
everyone looks good in comps
— Ninson (@Brynzyl_) July 12, 2023
I have seen enough get him ASAP
— Qatharke99 (@MohamedqatharH) July 12, 2023
A low cost gamble for Arsenal
Considering that Bitello may cost £12m (at the very most), there isn’t really much risk attached to the move. If the 23-year-old doesn’t make the grade in England, the Gunners can always write off the move as a mistake and sell him on without making much of a loss.
When you also consider the fact that the London club have limited resources after spending over £200m on Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice, it’s not surprising that sporting director Edu and the recruitment team are having to be creative in their efforts to improve the first-team squad even further.
That being said, there are question marks about where Bitello would play. This season alone, he has been deployed in four different positions (no.6, no.8, no, 10 and on the wing) so it remains to be seen what the thinking is behind recruiting him.
He could be a Saka backup
Reports in the English media earlier this week suggested that manager Mikel Arteta does want to bring in a winger before the summer transfer window closes, with the goal of taking some of the pressure off Bukayo Saka.
Bitello has played on the right wing with a decent amount of success, but you wouldn’t say it is his natural position. Perhaps Arteta will use the midfielder to fill in the gaps where needed. He seems pretty adaptable and that could make him a very useful squad player.
