Arsenal have denied rumours linking the club to Gremio winger Everton Soares, according to reports in the English media.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Everton over in Brazil, with the most recent reports suggesting the Gunners were preparing a €40m bid for the 23-year-old.

We suggested at the time that the story didn’t seem particularly concrete. Most of the articles on the subject seemed to link around in circles, from Globoesporte to Marca to the English media and back to Brazil, and so on.

According to Goal, sources at the Emirates Stadium have confirmed that suspicion, insisting there’s nothing in the speculation coming from Brazil and Everton isn’t one of Arsenal’s targets.

It does seem a bit like Everton and his club are trying to push a big-money move to Europe, rather than the other way around. Gremio boss Renato Gaucho told ESPN the winger is ‘ready’ to leave.

“I will not deny that his dream is to play in Europe, like every player,” Renato said. “If not now then soon, Everton, unfortunately for Grêmio, will be sold. But at the same time, we are happy, but we can not compete with European clubs, he’s ready to be sold.”

Undoubtedly, Everton would have drawn some interest after his impressive performances in the Copa America this summer. The question is more whether any club is willing to meet Gremio’s €40m+ asking price.

Right now that seems unlikely, at least in Arsenal’s case.