Arsenal are close to sealing a move for Atlético Mineiro’s highly-rated winger Bernard according to reports in Brazil.
Local Belo Horizonte journalist Leopoldo Siquiera has reportedly claimed that the Gunners have swooped for the Brazilian in a £22 million deal although there is confusion as to the validity of the quotes.
The report echoes L’Equipe’s earlier exclusive which claimed that Bernard would arrive in England for a medical after Atlético Mineiro’s Copa Libertadores clash against Olimpia on Wednesday.
It looks as though Arsenal have successfully fended off competition from Liverpool and FC Porto for the Brazilian.
BMG own 50% of Bernard’s playing rights but any Premier League clubs will have to pay the full fee as the FA have banned third party ownerships in England.
Bernard was part of the Seleção’s Confederations Cup-winning squad last month and has also been linked with moves to Porto, Borussia Dortmund and Shakhtar Donetsk.
