Arsenal are leading the race to sign Vitoria Guimaraes holding midfielder Ibrahima Bamba, according to reports in the Portuguese media.
The Gunners were first linked with the Italian back in November when it was mentioned that scouts were keeping a watchful eye on his development.
Following the knee injury sustained by Mohamed Elneny, the London club are believed to be keen on strengthening their options in the middle of the park before the transfer window closes next week. Bamba appears to be one of the targets under consideration but, due to his inexperience, fans on Twitter are split over whether he would be a useful addition to the squad:
Not convinced I would stick with Lokonga
— DeeMan🇿🇲(Thee Arsenal ) (@Dixon30s) January 26, 2023
I doubt it he can't be back up to partey, same as sambi
— dabwitso2099 (@X1O5STRIKE) January 26, 2023
i fully trust Arteta talent identification
— Bosvo🇱🇹 (@osvaldobie2) January 26, 2023
I hope he won't turn out like lokonga.
— Whyte🦷 (@Tolu_whyte) January 26, 2023
€30mil for a relative unknown player isn't everyone's cup of tea
— Kihungi II (@sirHongiz) January 26, 2023
Very good player.
— No Backlift (@Marcus_AFC) January 26, 2023
We should get mckennie. He was superb in the world cup.
— kieron atkins (@kza198) January 26, 2023
He looks like a younger Thomas Partey, control, long passes, 1v1 sharp, smart passes.
— GunnerEvenNextLife (@AzizHarold) January 26, 2023
The guy is a defender why can’t we just sign a proper midfielder 🤦♂️
— Zak Knox (@ZakKnox56) January 26, 2023
Bamba is 20 years of age and he has only made 30 senior appearances in his career; most of which have come as a centre-back. Considering he has a release clause of €30m (£26m) as well, it would be a surprise if Arsenal do make a move for him this month.
