Arsenal want to bring forward their move for Bruno Guimaraes to the January window, despite initially planning a summer move.
Goal in Brazil report that Arsenal initially planned a move for Bruno Guimaraes for the coming June. They’re now considering a formal offer of between €25m and €30m this week though.
Benfica are also in the race, offering €20m, but Athletico Paranaense rejected their bid.
All the same, selling to Benfica might suit Athletico-PR better. The suggestion in Portugal is that Athletico are hoping to structure a deal with Benfica such that they can earn money on future transfers.
They’re looking for a double pay-day, with a fee today and a cut of the future fee if and when he moves onto another club for big money. Benfica don’t seem willing to budge on the straight €20m deal they previously offered though.
If we’re being cynical, this could explain all the rumours involving Arsenal. Athletico clearly want Guimaraes to seem desirable, and to push Benfica to accept their terms. It’s very possible they’re leaking the Arsenal story themselves for that reason.
As an update on the work permit situation, Goal claim Guimaraes has a Spanish passport. Assuming that’s true, he won’t have any trouble joining Arsenal this window.
Guimaraes has a release clause of €40m and a contract until 2023. The 22-year-old plays in midfield and his club president recently confirmed Arsenal’s interest: