Arsenal want Vitinha and Porto are now claiming that they have rejected a bid for the playmaker, demanding his full release clause of £34million.
The Gunners have been linked with a number of midfielders this summer with Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans believed to be a top target.
Arsenal want to find the long-term partner for Thomas Partey in the heart of their midfield and Tielemans would certainly fit the bill.
Yet there are other names being touted too and a new rumour that seems to be accelerating surrounds Porto star Vitinha.
Arsenal want Vitinha
Reports from Portuguese newspaper Record claimed on Wednesday morning that Arsenal were showing a real interest in Vitinha.
It was suggested that Arsenal may be willing to pay the €40million (£34million) release clause in the midfielder’s contract.
Porto president Pinto da Costa has now commented on Vitinha’s future, telling O Jogo that a bid has been received.
Da Costa claims that the ‘concrete offer’ was not up to Porto’s valuation and they told the mystery club that nothing less than his release clause will be accepted.
“There was a concrete offer, of a value considerable amount, for Vitinha that we did not accept and referred to the termination clause, which is the only way to take the player to us,” Da Costa.
That offer may well have come from Arsenal and the message is clear – pay the £34million release clause or forget about it.
Some Premier League fans may remember Vitinha after he spent the 2020-21 season on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Vitinha wasn’t a regular for Wolves but has kicked on with Porto, recording four goals and five assists whilst winning the Portuguese title with Porto.
The 22-year-old is a technically-gifted midfielder who has played centrally in a two or even as a number 10.
Former Barcelona and Chelsea playmaker Deco has suggested that Vitinha is a ‘remarkable’ player and made Porto ‘unstoppable’.
Arsenal may well fancy harnessing those playmaking abilities alongside Partey but will have to pay up to secure Vitinha’s signature.
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