Shakhtar Donetsk attacker Bernard is out of contract in the summer.
Shakhtar Donetsk’s Brazilian midfielder Bernard (C) celebrate with his teammates
In the summer of 2013 both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur were being heavily linked with a move for the Brazilian star Bernard.
The attacking midfielder was looking to make his move to Europe from Atletico Mineiro and a number of Premier League sides were heavily linked with his signature.
Tottenham Hotspur were first, as they targeted him as a replacement for Gareth Bale. Liverpool were also keen, after losing out on Henrikh Mkhitaryan to Borussia Dortmund. Arsenal were also linked, it was even falsely reported that the player was to undergo a medical at the club after he posted a picture of himself arriving in London on Twitter. Instead he was on a connecting flight to go and talk to Shakhtar about a move.
Bernard of Shakhtar Donetsk breaks through to score his sides first goal
No deal ever came about for the player and, in the summer of 2014, he told FourFourTwo magazine that the English clubs were not prepared to pay the £21.5 million for his services up front – unlike Shakhtar.
But now, both North London clubs may want to renew their interest.
The attacking midfielder is out of contract in June and can start talking to other clubs about a pre-contract agreement from next month.
Bernard of Shakhtar Donetsk reacts during the UEFA Champions League Group F match between Manchester City and Shakhtar Donetsk
He recently showed what he is capable of with a brilliant display against Manchester City and both Tottenham and Arsenal could use his services at the club.
Spurs still need more depth in their side, whilst Arsenal must start planning for the potential exit of Mesut Ozil.
Bernard would be the perfect free transfer for both clubs, just five years after failing to grab him for a much larger fee.
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