Arsenal now face last-ditch competition from Torino for the transfer of Bitello despite Edu agreeing on terms with the midfielder’s Brazilian Serie A side, Gremio, this week.
That is according to TuttoMercatoWEB, which reports that Torino are making a last-ditch bid to beat Arsenal to Bitello’s transfer. Several Italian Serie A side’s have considered signing the 23-year-old this summer after learning of his likely availability for a move away from Gremio.
Intermediaries approached Italian teams earlier in the summer to sound out any interest in Bitello’s services. But Arsenal moved ahead of the pack and were on course to secure a deal with Gremio. Yet the Emirates Stadium outfit have now hit a delay that has tempted Torino.
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Bitello was on the verge of a transfer from Gremio to Arsenal
Earlier this week, TuttoMercatoWEB had suggested that Bitello was on the verge of securing his transfer to Arsenal from Gremio. Edu had successfully negotiated down the Serie A side’s asking price from €10m (£8.5m) to €8m (£7m). Bitello was set to join Arsenal this week, too.
Edu was due to close the final aspects of Bitello’s transfer with Gremio to make the Brazilian a new Arsenal player this week. But TuttoMercatoWEB now suggests that the Gunners have hit a delay. It also eased a door back open for Torino to try and hijack the midfielder’s move.
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Torino look to rival Arsenal after Bitello’s top-flight breakthrough
Torino are exploring starting an assault for Bitello, who reached new levels after Luis Suarez joined Gremio this year. Il Toro boss Ivan Juric and chairman Urbano Cairo feel the Formosa do Oeste native has a lot to add. He has enjoyed a strong step up to the Brazilian top flight.
Bitello caught the eye in Serie B in 2022 with seven goals and three assists from 36 games. It was his first year of regular first-team minutes after a steady emergence in 2021. But Serie A is now seeing Bitello’s potential with three goals from 14 appearances so far through 2023.