Arsenal Eye Bruno Guimaraes Transfer As Locatelli Alternative

As transfer speculation heats up surrounding who may come in to provide reinforcements in the attacking midfield position, that hasn’t prevented Arsenal from seeking additions elsewhere. Bruno Guimaraes is now back on the radar.

Martin Odegaard this and James Maddison that has stolen the limelight in the No. 10 position, which fans will be reassured is only in the headlines and not in the club’s recruitment strategy.

With four positions left to ideally fill but it more than likely only three will be seen to this window, securing Thomas Partey’s new partner in the middle of the park remains as vital as ever. Granit Xhaka will eventually leave this window and nobody is under any disillusions that his replacement is a tough purchase.

The profile of whoever comes in appears to be less of a mystery than before. Yves Bissouma was the name on everyone’s lips, but links to Manuel Locatelli and Ruben Neves hint towards a different option more of the Xhaka ilk.

Three players have walked through the doors already with two backup options at left-back and midfield acquired, while Ben White will move straight into the heart of defence once the official (and inevitable) announcement arrives.

Interestingly throughout this window has been the situation surrounding Ligue 1. The French top-flight has been hit with the same financial concerns that have hit all clubs as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, with the addition of an absolute mess of the TV right deals of the division.

Without delving too deeply, the clubs are all scrambling for cash.

Lyon are one of them, with their predicament exacerbated by their failure to qualify for the Champions League next season (they can thank William Saliba for that).

But we’re not talking about Houssem Aouar here. That case went from hot potato to frozen chip over the course of 12 months, and Arsenal have set their sights on another of the French side’s assets, Bruno Guimarães.

As per Goal, talks have already opened with both clubs over a potential deal with Arsenal now mulling over making a formal approach for the midfielder.

He is a name who might ring a bell. Prior to his move to Lyon 18 months ago, Bruno was a player heavily linked with a move to Arsenal back when he was at Atletico Paranaense. Edu has kept a close eye on his fellow countryman since his previous days as the technical coordinator of the Brazilian national team, and even six months on from their initial approach another was made by Arsenal in January 2020.