With Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber ready to follow Kai Havertz in signing on the dotted line in high-priced deals, Arsenal has done well to bolster their team early in the transfer window. However, the Premier League heavyweights also appear to be on the search for a bargain or two.
Who is Arsenal acquiring?
The Gunners sent a representative to see promising midfielder Bitello in action for Gremio against Bahia on Wednesday, according to Radio Guaiba reporter Rafael Pfeiffer (via Brazilian publication Correio do Povo).
Gremio is reportedly looking for a successor as they anticipate the 23-year-old’s impending departure and that Arsenal is preparing a bid for the player, who is estimated to be worth £8.5 million.
After Havertz, Rice, and Timber, who have agreements close to being finalised, Bitello would likely join Arsenal as its fourth summer acquisition if the two parties were to agree on a price.
Who is Bitello, a midfielder for Gremio?
Although Bitello is capable of playing in a variety of positions, central midfield is where he has thrived.
In 33 games for Gremio this season, the Brazilian, who has not yet received a senior level cap for his nation, has seven goals and four assists.
Bitello is in the top 2% of attacking midfielders in the eight leagues that are most similar to the Brazilian Serie A in terms of quality for interceptions per 90 minutes (1.12), according to FBref, demonstrating that he is equally as strong defensively as he is offensively.
The former Cascavel star is also in the top 14% for tackles per 90, top 5% for pass completion percentage (81.9), and top 5% for blocks per 90 (1.59), demonstrating his ability to link plays.
While Bitello may not be well-known outside of South America, Arsenal has bought similar players from Brazil in the past with great success.
The Gunners have landed players from Brazilian clubs like Edu, Sylvinho, Gilberto Silva, and most recently Gabriel Martinelli, all of whom have had an effect in North London.
Gilberto may not be an exact match for Bitello because he was a defensive midfielder, but there are still some parallels. For instance, Bitello will turn 24 in January and is hardly a rising star, but Gilberto was 25 when he made his Premier League debut.
Gilberto, like Bitello, has never played outside of Brazil; but, unlike Bitello, Gilberto did spend time on Gremio’s roster, albeit after his tenure at Arsenal had ended.
But Bitello is his own man, so if he shows up this summer, it’s possible that he will contend for a spot on the first team.
Bitello is a “flexible” player who is good at winning the ball and is also powerful in terms of passing, according to football writer Johannes Skiba, suggesting he could be useful for Mikel Arteta.
There is no possibility of Bitello failing to succeed in the Premier League, unlike many other Brazilian treasures who have attempted and failed to make an impact there.
