Bernhard has been making waves across Europe this summer, after his impressive outing in Brazil’s triumphant Confederations Cup venture. He is reportedly being courted by a long list of clubs which include the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Porto and Shakhtar Donetsk, but Arsenal are understood to be the closest and the most keen on his services.

Manager Arsene Wenger is understood to be a huge admirer of the 20-year old and is desperate to have him within his ranks next season. It was also being reported in previous weeks that Wenger was preparing a £21 million bid for him, however nothing concrete developed on that front. It was also being said that Bernard wanted to move on only after featuring in the Copa Libertadores final with his club Athletic Miniero. He got his wish and featured in the game, helping Miniero clinch the title. They are therefore bracing themselves for his departure in the coming days.

The transfer has potentially been accelerated now after Metro reports that Mineiro’s director Eduardo Maluf spoke to the local press and revealed that the club’s president has put Bernard on sale, and will sell him straight away if any interested party meets their £25 million asking price. “The president has already made very clear, if an offer of £25million arrives, he is going to sell and we will buy another player,” said Maluf.

This latest development is surely going to encourage Arsenal, who have been given the all clear to go ahead and prepare their bid. If Arsenal are pressed on time and want to complete this deal straight away, they would go with a £25 million one which will certainly be enough instead of going with their initial bid of £21 million which will most likely be rejected. They have the potential of doing so too, given the fact that a giant £70 million lays untouched in their bank account.

Do we see Arsenal going in with their £25 million bid in the coming few days and finally making a splash in the market?