Buckle up Arsenal fans because you might not have seen this one hit the back page of the papers yet, as Arsene Wenger looks to bring in ANOTHER defender.
We know what you’re thinking but no it’s not a defensive story linked to Shkodran Mustafi, instead the Gunners have reportedly bid €16million Euro’s for Bruno Peres.
A fan favourite at Italian side Torino, the 26-year-old is attracting some attention from Europe’s top clubs, but according to Toro News, Wenger is keen to leapfrog his rivals to the signature.
Each of Manchester City, Barcelona and PSG are believed to be keeping tabs on the Brazilian, who was a key part to Torino’s survival in Serie A racking up 28 league appearances.
Now that Wenger is beginning to look beyond his career with the Gunners, getting players like Peres in to complete a highly rated defensive unit for years to come is an important job.
We’re set to wave goodbye to the underperforming Mathieu Debuchy this summer and with the likes of Calum Chambers and Krystian Bielik awaiting a loan spell, cover is needed.
If Arsenal can agree a fee with Torino, he’ll act as a second in command to Hector Bellerin, who would finally have some decent competition on that right hand side.
Then again, and even more exciting of the options is to adapt Peres as an attacking winger following a number of opportunities handed to him to play on the flanks in Italy.
That’s what makes him such a valuable asset; having the versatility to play where he’s put, Peres can also do a job on either one of the wings, a position that’s crying out for quality.
The report from the Italian publication states that the North London side have gone in low with a £13million bid, despite Torino holding out for at least another £4million.
Funds shouldn’t be too hard to come across for the Gunners chiefs though, but penny-pinching is Wenger’s best trait so he’ll drive a hard bargain with Torino officials.
The news pretty much confirms the exit of Mathieu Debuchy, but are Arsenal on the verge of landing this German international after an €18m bid was rejected?