Arsenal are in talks over signing a Brazil-based midfielder who is ‘eager’ to move, and if Edu’s track record is anything to go by, another transfer masterstroke is looming.

Arsenal’s excellent recruitment in recent years was one of the factors that allowed them to challenge Man City for the Premier League title last season.

Since Edu started controlling the strings, the Gunners have seldom ever missed in the market. The Brazilian has also signed fellow countrymen with particularly significant success.

In fact, north London has seen roaring successes like Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus. Given that Martinelli was acquired directly from Brazilian club Ituano for just £6 million, he is perhaps the best of the bunch.

Reports in Italy recently claimed Edu was aiming for something of a repeat after sizing up Gremio midfielder Bitello.

The 23-year-old right-footer primarily plays in central midfield, though can also deputise on the right flank if required.

Bitello has scored 16 goals in 86 appearances for Gremio and per TuttoMercatoWeb, Arsenal were firmly in the mix to secure his signature.

Now, a fresh update from 90min has revealed the names of those competing with Arsenal for the player. However, it’s the Gunners who are being tipped to win the race.

Firstly, 90min report competition is coming from Monaco, FC Porto and Zenit St. Petersburg.

Nonetheless, it’s Arsenal who are actively working on the deal right now and are ‘confident’ of capturing the Brazilian.

The asking price for Gremio is a relatively low £8.5m. As a result, given the same price tags, a transfer would also be similar to Martinelli’s.

It is stated that Bitello is “eager to move continents” from the viewpoint of the player. In other words, he would support moving from South America to Europe and joining Arsenal.

Edu is believed to have hand-selected Bitello as a transfer target. Few would wager against Bitello being a success if the move goes through given the Arsenal manager’s good track record with purchasing Brazilian players in particular.