Vitoria de Guimaraes president Antonio Miguel Cardoso insists that he has heard nothing from Premier League outfit Aston Villa regarding a deal for the Arsenal-linked Ibrahima Bamba, speaking to O Jogo.
It feels almost inevitable that Bamba will be on his way out of the Estadio Afonso Henriques before long. Where he is destined to end up, however, is far less certain at this stage.
A whole host of clubs are reportedly interested; Arsenal, Napoli and Sassuolo among them. But, according to Cardoso, reports that Aston Villa are pushing ahead with an £11 million deal for the 20-year-old midfielder are wide of the mark (Record).
“There is interest from many clubs in Bamba,” the Vitoria president explains. “But, in relation to Aston Villa, nothing concrete.”
Cardoso adds that the Primeira Liga outfit did indeed turn down a number of offers for their Italian-born enforcer during the January window. Some reports have suggested that Vitoria Guimaraes are holding out for a substantial fee; a £26 million release clause in Bamba’s contract.
“We received offers that we did not accept,” Cardoso says. “Because they were low.”
Will Ibrahima Bamba end up at Arsenal?
Bamba, who can also represent the Ivory Coast, is one of the breakthrough stars of the Portuguese season. His tally of nine yellow cards – plus an average of 2.4 successful tackles per game – shows that, despite his young age, he is not afraid of getting his hands dirty and putting his body on the line (WhoScored).
Arsenal are likely to target a defensively-minded midfielder this summer due to their overreliance on the injury-prone Thomas Partey. And Bamba would come a damn sight cheaper than, say, Declan Rice or Moises Caicedo.
Last month, however, his agent denied reports that he was in English to hold talks with the Gunners.
“It is true that I was in London,” Felipe Alves begins. “But I am just arriving from Germany, where I was watching (Edmond) Tapsoba’s game (for Bayer Leverkusen). Bamba is not the only player I work with.
“(Bamba) is a player who is clearly of interest to many clubs. But, today, he is a Vitoria player.”
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