Arsenal strongly interested in Bitello but Torino could take advantage of delay

Serie A outfit Torino could take advantage of Arsenal’s delay in securing an agreement for Gremio midfielder Bitello, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.

The Gunners have been keeping tabs on the 23-year-old over the past few weeks. The club’s officials were recently in Porto Alegre to watch him in action against Bahia.

The north London club were much fancied to sign him last week, but there has been no progress thus far.

While the Gunners are ‘strongly interested’ in the Brazilian, it is claimed that the ‘delay’ could benefit Torino, who have ‘surprisingly’ entered the pursuit.

Arsenal may have second thoughts over Bitello

Bitello is a very versatile player. He has played everywhere in midfield for Gremio, but also has the ability to operate from the right wing. It is his preferred position.

This season, he has contributed seven goals and four assists from 36 outings. The Brazilian has also been impressive defensively. He has won a stunning 1.8 tackles and 6.9 duels per game.

His all-around ability could be a reason behind the Gunners’ interest, but talks may have slowed down due to the complexity of securing a work permit for him.

Bitello is not an exceptional young talent at the age of 23. Meanwhile, the midfielder has not featured for his national team at any level which is another demerit.

On top of this, this is currently his first season with the Brazilian top-flight. He made his breakthrough in the previous campaign where Gremio secured promotion.

It remains to be seen whether this could be a cause for the delay.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com