Ibrahima Bamba is expected to move on this summer but Aston Villa look more likely to sign him than Arsenal.
Aston Villa are very interested in signing Ibrahima Bamba with Arsenal seemingly not chasing a summer deal.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims that Bamba played his final game for Vitoria Guimaraes on Saturday.
Bamba lined up in the heart of defence as Vitoria lost 3-0 away at Porto.
That didn’t ruin Vitoria’s season though as they clinched sixth place and a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifiers.
Romano claims that this was Bamba’s last game for the club though as he will be landing a ‘big move’ this summer.
Romano noted that Aston Villa are especially keen on Bamba and have been chasing his signature for a long time now.
However, Romano suggested that there have been no talks with Arsenal despite rumours about a move to North London.
Aston Villa in the box seat for Ibrahima Bamba
Arsenal have been linked with Bamba for a while now.
Reports from Portugal in January suggested that Arsenal were leading the race to sign the Italian talent.
No deal materialised though and Villa appear to be the clear first choice for Bamba.
Villa confirmed in February that the club’s holding company V Sports agreed to purchase 46 per cent of Vitoria Guimaraes.
The Times claimed – almost immediately – that Villa were looking to sign Bamba and possibly loan him back to Vitoria.
That would certainly make more sense for Villa and V Sports, keeping him in the group rather than seeing him join Arsenal.
Bamba is still a fairly raw talent at 21 but Villa may well see huge potential in him as either a centre back or holding midfielder.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
