Arsenal were ‘interested’ in Dinamo Moscow winger Bitello but the Premier League giants did not make an official bid for the £8.5 million former Gremio ace.
That is according to Timur Lepsaya; an agent and former director with plenty of connections in both Russian and South American football.
Dinamo Moscow caused quite the stir earlier this month when they snapped up one of the brightest young attacking talents in Brazil, fighting off competition from Monaco and Dutch champions Feyenoord for 23-year-old Bitello.
Arsenal were heavily linked too. But, speaking to Championat, Lepsaya struck a tone similar to Fabrizio Romano, the latter insisting that reports claiming Bitello was bound for the Emirates were ‘wide of the mark’.
Arsenal were ‘interested’ in Bitello
“The amount (Dinamo Moscow paid) for Bitello is more than justified. Bitello was on the radar of many European clubs,” Lepsaya explains.
“I know Gremio well. I know their sporting director. They are very professional people. Gremio currently have financial problems and were interested in selling Bitello. But at the initial stage of the transfer window, they rejected, for example, an offer from Monaco, which was less than 10 million euros.
“Arsenal were also interested in the Brazilian. But, as far as I know, they did make an offer.
“Feyenoord made an official offer in the last days of the European transfer window. Feyenoord were ready to pay the required 10 million euros, but they could not agree with Gremio on a payment structure.
“The Dutch club was ready to pay the amount only within three years.”
Arsenal will be watching closely
Bitello, an intelligent, technically-gifted right-sided attacker who struck up an excellent understanding with veteran striker Luis Suarez at Gremio, may be a player Arsenal continue to keep tabs on as he looks to make his mark on the other side of the Atlantic.
Under Edu Gaspar – technical director and former Selecao ace – Arsenal have made consistent use of the Brazilian market in recent years. Gabriel Martinelli, Marquinhos and Pablo Mari are among those who have arrived from the South American nation.
The post Reporter says Arsenal 'were interested' in £8.5m ace but never made a bid appeared first on HITC.
Next
