Arsenal are continuing to be linked with a move for Lyon and Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes this month.
Guimaraes has been mentioned in connection with the Gunners for some time now, but with Mikel Arteta short of midfield options as it stands, and with the impending departure of Ainsley Maitland-Niles to Roma on top of that, a move for the Brazilian makes more sense than ever.
According to Brazilian outlet Globo, the Ligue 1 outfit are set to demand £38million for the 24-year-old, who has two-and-a-half-years remaining on his contract at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.
As well as this, football.london understands that any deal involving Guimaraes and a Premier League side is likely to see agent Kia Joorabchian involved as an intermediary.
Where does Guimaraes fit in at Arsenal?
Well, as mentioned above, Maitland-Niles is set to move on in the very near future and with Thomas Partey currently at the Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana, which leaves Arteta with just Albert Sambi Lokonga and Granit Xhaka to choose from in the centre of midfield.
So, there's no question that should Guimaraes arrive at the Emirates Stadium that he would be given plenty of minutes on the pitch.
The Lyon midfielder has previously opened up on the players he idolised, or idolises, that he tries to base his game around, and has also detailed his playing style.
In an interview with the official Ligue 1 website back in March 2020, he said: "I am a fan of players like Ronaldinho Gaúcho and Zinédine Zidane, I used to like watching them play.
"At the moment I like Ilkay Gündogan at Manchester City, but since I was little I have been inspired by Andrés Iniesta.”
On his playing style, he added: "I am a 'piano carrier' (a Brazilian expression for someone who does the hardest work but often gets little acknowledgement).
"I am a good passer and I use my intelligence. I always like to be close to the ball to take part more in the play. I always like to have the ball with me, but I also enjoy robbing it from opponents and coming forward with it.”
What has Guimaraes said on Arsenal?
Guimaraes has previously confirmed that Arsenal are indeed interested in his services, when speaking to Globo last summer.
He said: "Arsenal approached my agent, but there was no offer. My aim, and I made it clear to Juninho, is to win a title with Lyon. The fans have not had one for a long time.
"We have the Coupe de France, the Europa League and the league. It is difficult with the level that PSG are at, but anything can happen.
"My aim is to win a title here, but I have never hidden my desire to play in the Premier League."
Whether that desired move to England comes during the January transfer window remains to be seen, however.
Do you think Guimaraes is what Arsenal's midfield needs? Have your say by leaving a comment below.
