“He ticks every box for Mikel Arteta” – He’s very quick, he has magic on his feet, won more fouls and had more touches than any other player in 2023- His club sold him to Arsenal at a discount fee- He’s gotten a transfer go-ahead from Neymar- Arsenal have secured the signing of Neymar’s heir

Arsenal to seal fourth transfer ‘this week’ as Edu works his magic and secures a discount

Arsenal are reportedly closing in on their first signing of the summer.

Arsenal are reportedly closing in on their fourth signing of the summer, with a deal edging closer for Gremio playmaker Bitello. The midfielder has been the subject of interest from around Europe over the past few months but now appears destined to make the move to the Premier League.

After last season’s impressive title charge, Mikel Arteta has urged Edu and the higher powers at the Emirates Stadium to continue splashing the cash and providing him with the talents to push for silverware once again.

Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber have arrived as a result, with the trio providing depth in key departments and also adding additional quality across the park. However, Arteta does not appear content with his current crop of midfielders.

With Albert Sambi Lokonga and Charlie Patino both expected to leave, Arsenal are looking to sign another young talent that can be nurtured into a first-team player.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, the Gunners are edging closer to striking a deal for sought-after midfielder Bitello and it ‘will be closed’ by the end of the week.

Gremio had initially informed interested parties that they would only accept an offer of £8.5million for the 23-year-old, though the Brazilian outfit are willing to give Arsenal a ‘discount’ and will allow their playmaker to leave for £6.8m instead.

Arsenal scouts are said to have been impressed by Bitello over the past few months and have now sent emissaries to South America to conclude negotiations.

It remains to be seen whether Edu can continue to work his magic this summer and shake hands on a further discounted price or if the sporting director is forced to compromise.

Arsenal have created a strong family-feel dressing room in North London, and the influence of South American characters behind the scenes will certainly allow Bitello to settle in his new surroundings.

Rice has spoken about how he already feels at home at the Emirates, as well as the influence of the manager when opting to leave West Ham.

He told the official Arsenal site: “When I signed I was speaking to the manager and when we were stood there looking out from the box, it was so surreal. What a stadium and we’re very lucky to play our home football there.

Last year, the place was crazy with the atmosphere and the fans. Some of the games…hopefully this year we can go one better and excite the fans even more.”