Arsenal have reportedly not even opened talks to sign Vitoria Guimaraes wonderkid Ibrahima Bamba, with the Gunners being heavily linked with a move for the Italian midfielder.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the north London club are yet to submit an official offer or speak with the midfielder despite reports earlier in the window that Arsenal were firmly in the driving seat to sign Bamba, who is regarded by many as one of the best talents currently playing in Portugal.
Arsenal’s mission on deadline day is to sign a midfielder with Brighton & Hove Albion star Moises Caicedo the Gunners’ no. 1 target. However, given the Seagulls’ stance on the 21-year-old, other options are being considered, with Bamba seemingly on Mikel Arteta’s radar.
Valued as highly as €8m (£7m), Bamba first the profile for what Arsenal have been looking for in the transfer market in regards to a new central midfielder. However, given that the club are not even in talks with Vitoria for the 20-year-old, a deal looks unlikely today.
Arsenal must go all out to sign Bamba in the summer
Arsenal might have immediate midfield issues for now, but the summer will give the north London club the chance to fully asses their options, with Mohamed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga both expected to leave in some form. And as a result, Bamba must be a prime replacement for the pair.
Young, talented and clearly a player who has caught the eye of Arsenal, Bamba has the potential to become a star for the north London side if Edu Gaspar can secure a deal for the midfielder. Yet with talks not even taking place, the Brazilian transfer guru must soon put plans into motion to bring the youngster to north London.
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