Arsenal are now firmly in the race to sign an “advanced playmaker”, having opened talks, but he is protected by a huge release clause.
Gunners eyeing new midfielder amid Eze’s slow start
Big things were expected of Eberechi Eze, after becoming the Gunners’ third-most expensive signing in history during the summer, but it would be fair to say the 27-year-old has made a slow start to life at the Emirates Stadium.
Eze hasn’t started a Premier League game since mid-December, featuring for under 15 minutes in three of the last four matches, with undoubtedly his best performance coming in the North London derby back in November.
It is still early days for the England international, and Mikel Arteta has other attacking midfielders at his disposal, with Tony Adams making it clear he has been impressed with Martin Odegaard’s performances this term, saying: “He wasn’t positive [with the ball last campaign], but he has been this season, he really does put the ball in now.
“It was like he was hesitating and hesitating and he was slowing play up, but this season, I’ve seen a significant change in him.”
However, according to a report from Caught Offside, the North Londoners have now set their sights on another midfielder, and they have opened talks over a deal for Corinthians star Breno Bidon, who is protected by a €100m (£87m) release clause.
One source added: “Arsenal are firmly in the mix. They have done some early work on this deal, but of course Corinthians aren’t keen to sell. They’re in a strong negotiating position because his release clause is €100m.”
There could be competition for Bidon’s signature, however, with Barcelona, Chelsea and clubs from Italy and Portugal also being credited with an interest.
Bidon could be one for the future
Scout Jacek Kulig has described the Brazilian as an “advanced playmaker”, while also providing an overview of the 20-year-old’s key strengths, praising him for his passing, creativity, vision and technique.
The starlet has been a key player for Corinthians for quite some time now, making 107 appearances for the Brazilian club, and he has made a flying start to the new Serie A campaign, scoring in his opening game against EC Bahia.
The Corinthians star’s defensive attributes were on display too, winning seven of the nine ground duels he contested, while also making one interception and winning two tackles.
As such, Bidon could be one for the future, but he is yet to prove himself in one of the top leagues, and the Gunners have plenty of options in the middle of the park, having signed Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard in the summer.
In fact, it could be difficult for Arteta to make many more improvements to his side, with Piers Morgan recently suggesting the Spaniard has assembled the best squad in history, while also insisting Arsenal are capable of winning the quadruple…
