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Luke Thrower

Arsenal chiefs 'flying' to meet next transfer target as ideal Declan Rice midfield partner

Arsenal representatives are flying out to Brazil to discuss a move for Gremio midfielder Bitello in this summer transfer window, per recent reports.

It comes as the Gunners look to revamp the whole of their midfield ranks over the coming weeks, with work already underway to make such changes. Granit Xhaka was the first to make an exit during the market, making a switch to Bayer Leverkusen in a deal football.london understands to be worth £21.5million.

football.london also understands that there are chances Thomas Partey could leave too, though the Gunners will have to receive a suitable offer to facilitate a transfer. Recent reports have linked the Ghanaian with a possible deal to join Juventus as well as teams in the Saudi Pro League.

In terms of incomings, there's already been plenty of work done by the recruitment team to add new energy in the midfield this summer. Kai Havertz has been confirmed as a new Arsenal player, joining from rivals Chelsea in a deal worth £65million, with Mikel Arteta confirming the German international will play in midfield.

Then there's the huge deal for Declan Rice that's still to be announced, with the Gunners seemingly winning the race for the England international. A club-record £105million fee will be paid for the West Ham captain in a huge deal that could see them close the gap on their competitors.

READ MORE: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Done deal, Rice announcement, Timber move 'leaked', Lavia twist

There's also a view towards younger options and some bargains in the market, with Romeo Lavia and Aurelien Tchouameni linked with a move. However, the next midfield addition could come from an area of the world that Arsenal have utilised well and that's Brazil.

According to reports from Radio Guaiba's Rafael Pfeiffer, Gremio star Bitello is of interest to the Gunners and representatives have been sent to thrash out a potential move. With seven goals and three assists so far this season, the midfielder could be viewed as a bargain option.

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It would likely see the north London outfit repeat a transfer trick that has so far seen Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli become first-team stars, with Marquinhos a youngster still in development. It remains to be seen whether Bitello could be capable of pushing for a place in the side, but he could be the perfect option alongside Rice and Havertz for the future.

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