Arsenal are planning to make an offer of €30million (£26million) for Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes – but that’s short of the asking price.
That’s according to Globo Esporte, who claim that the Gunners are prepared to spend £26million to lure Guimaraes to North London.
Lyon’s asking price is some way off that though, as they want €40million for the midfielder – around £34million.
Arsenal aren’t alone in the race either, because German giants Borussia Dortmund also fancy raiding Lyon for Guimaraes this month.
Guimaraes has three years left on his Lyon contract, so Lyon are under no immediate pressure to sell.
The 23-year-old played 33 times in Ligue 1 last season, bagging three goals and one assist whilst playing as a central or defensive midfielder.
Guimaraes is currently away on international duty with Brazil at the Olympic Games, so any deal may only move forward when he’s back in France next week.
Arsenal sporting director Edu has admired his compatriot Guimaraes for some time now, first eyeing him up for a move to the Emirates Stadium in 2019.
If he is determined to bring Guimaraes to Arsenal this summer – which may be a surprise with Granit Xhaka looking likely to stay – then Edu will have to dig a little deeper.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
