Football: Arsenal in talks with West Ham for Bitello

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Arsenal are trying to sign Bitello. They have sent a representative to Brazil with an offer of GBP 10 million. Though the Gunners have almost sealed a deal with West Ham to take Declan Rice for GBP 105 million, they want to fill the gap created by the exit of Granit Xhaka, who has signed a GBP 21.5 million deal with Bayer Leverkusen. Arsenal have kept an eye on Bitello’s performance in the season and they will now have a close watch on the match between Gremio and Bahia on Wednesday. All eyes are set on Gremio which own 70 percent rights of Bitello and want GBP 10 million as the transfer fee. Bitello’s former club FC Cascave own the remaining 30 percent rights of the player and they play in the fourth tier in Brazil. Bitello is yet to play for the Brazilian National Team, he has excelled in centre forward, but he can play anywhere in the midfield. He scored seven goals and assisted in three other goals in his 33 appearances for Gremio this season. He will continue to play for the rest of this season even if Gremio sign a deal for his transfer. Arsenal are also holding talks with Ajax to sign a deal for the transfer of Jurrien Timber for GBP 40 million.

Q1:Who is Bitello and why is he in the news now? Bitello is a Brazilian footballer who plays at multi positions at the midfield for Gremio. He scored seven goals and assisted in three other goals in 33 appearances last season.Q2:Why do Arsenal want to sign Bitello? Arsenal want to strengthen their midfield after the exit of Granit Xhaka. They have finalised a deal for Declan Rice and now they are eyeing Bitello. They are holding talks with Gremio for Bitello’s transfer.