Transfer Centre

Gremio chief reveals interest in Arsenal-linked Bitello

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 17 July 2023

Gremio president Alberto Guerra confirms that there are "a lot" of clubs keeping tabs on playmaker Bitello amid interest from Arsenal.

Gremio president Alberto Guerra has confirmed that there are "a lot" of clubs keeping tabs on playmaker Bitello amid interest from Arsenal.

The 23-year-old Brazilian has established himself as a key first-team player for Gremio since joining the club's youth system in 2019 and has already made 84 appearances at senior level.

Bitello was a standout performer in Gremio's promotion campaign to the top flight last year, contributing with seven goals and four assists in 34 matches across all tournaments.

The versatile midfielder has improved his game at both ends of the pitch having gained experience sitting just in front of the defence and in a more advanced role linking up with the attack.

Bitello, who is under contract with Gremio until December 2025, is understood to have caught the eye of a number of European teams including Arsenal and Monaco.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured on May 28, 2023 © Reuters

A recent report claims that the Gunners are preparing to make an opening bid for the playmaker and have sent a delegation to Brazil to discuss a potential summer move.

Gremio president Guerra has since acknowledged the interest in Britello's services but he has played down suggestions that a summer departure is imminent for the Brazilian.

Speaking to Rede Sul, as quoted by the Evening Standard, Guerra said: "There are a lot of people watching Bitello, but there is no proposal, even to reassure our fans, at the moment."

Bitello himself has recently admitted that Monaco have expressed their interest, but he has reassured Gremio fans that he is fully focused on representing his current club.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured on May 7, 2023 © Reuters

"It seems that an offer has arrived, apparently from Monaco, but I haven't spoken to my coach about it yet. I have a contract here," Bitello told reporters as quoted by Get French Football News.

"I am happy and focused on Gremio. The upcoming championship is thrilling."

While Monaco have spent just €10m on the signing of goalkeeper Philipp Kohn so far this summer, Arsenal are one of the biggest spenders ahead of the 2023-24 campaign having forked out in excess of £200m on three new players.

The Gunners officially unveiled the club-record signing of midfielder Declan Rice last weekend for £105m, a day after confirming the arrival of defender Jurrien Timber for £38.5m, while Kai Havertz was Mikel Arteta's first new recruit of the summer after joining from Chelsea for £65m.

Arsenal's interest in Bitello comes at a time when the future of Thomas Partey is believed to be uncertain having been linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia, while Albert Sambi Lokonga has also been tipped to depart amid interest from Crystal Palace and Burnley.