Arsenal and Aston Villa look set to do battle over the signature of Vitoria Guimaraes star Ibrahima Bamba this summer.
That is according to a report from Fussball Transfers, who claim that unnamed German teams are now joining the race for Ibrahima Bamba.
It’s stated that Bundesliga clubs are ‘specifically interested’ in Bamba, who has a €30million (£26million) release clause.
However, Vitoria have allegedly communicated that they would accept a deal worth around €10million (£8.75million).
That would be very low for Bamba and it may be a deal starting at £8.75million rising to somewhere closer to £15million or £20million.
The report claims that Bamba’s representatives have now spoken to both Villa and Arsenal to discuss a summer deal.
Other Premier League clubs are interested in Bamba but Villa and Arsenal seem to be the most keen.
Aston Villa may have upper hand for Ibrahima Bamba
Arsenal and Villa have been linked with Bamba for a while now.
Reports from Portugal in January suggested that Arsenal were leading the race for Bamba – but no deal materialised.
Then, The Times claimed in February that Villa were willing to sign Bamba and loan him back to Vitoria.
The reason for that stance is that Villa now have a working partnership with Vitoria.
Villa confirmed in February that the club’s holding company V Sports agreed to purchase 46 per cent of Vitoria.
That direct link makes it seem like, if Villa want to sign Bamba, they will have priority over anyone else.
Of course, Bamba’s own hopes and desires will factor into this situation and maybe he would prefer Arsenal.
Villa seem to be in a strong position though and could pounce with a summer deal for the youngster.
Bamba, 21, has seemingly emerged from nowhere having been in the Pro Vercelli ranks before his move to Portugal.
A defensive midfielder or centre back, Bamba seems to have a bright future ahead of him – and that future could come with Villa or Arsenal.
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