Who is Bitello? The Brazilian gem that Arsenal have sent scouts to watch amid transfer links

Gremio youngster Bitello has been mooted as a potential transfer target for Arsenal in recent times

Gremio star Bitello is the latest player to be linked with a summer transfer to Arsenal.

The north Londoners signed Kai Havertz from Chelsea in a deal worth £65million and the club also hopes to announce moves for Jurien Timber and Declan Rice before they travel to America on Sunday for pre-season. Despite those three signings costing in excess of £200million, that hasn't stopped speculation regarding additional incomings continuing.

Now, Radio Guaiba's Rafael Pfeiffer have reported that the Gunners are interested in Brazilian midfielder Bitello, with the club sending representatives to scout the player ahead of a potential move. But who is the player and what kind of qualities would he bring to the Emirates Stadium if he were to join? football.london takes a closer look.

Who is Bitello?

Aged 23, Bitello is a talented attacking midfielder born in Formosa do Oeste, Brazil.

Bitello plied his trade with lower-league side Cascavel before joining Gremio's academy at the age of 18 back in 2018.

Since then, he has made a name for himself in Brazil's top-flight, establishing himself as one of the brightest prospects for the Porto Alegre-based outfit.

What would he bring to Arsenal?

Perhaps Bitello's greatest strength is his versatility. Typically, he operates as an all-action number eight in a midfield pivot or as a no.10.

But last season, he was also utilised as a false nine or right-wing on occasion. His ball-carrying is one of his greatest assets, frequently dribbling the ball up the pitch as a means of progression - making him extremely press resistant.

He will often drop his shoulder when an opposition defender is pressing him, looking to knock it past the onrushing player and use his electric pace - part of the reason he was utilised on the wing last term. His movement into the box is another strength, often arriving late in the final third where he can use solid ball striking to his advantage.

The 23-year-old is still very raw but he possesses a lot of upside to his game. Despite being six feet tall, one clear weakness to his game is physicality, occasionally finding himself pushed off the ball due to his slender frame.

This is something that would likely be even more exposed in the more physically demanding Premier League if he did complete a move to the Emirates Stadium.

What has been said?

The talented playmaker had been linked with a move to Ligue 1 side Monaco recently and the player himself confirmed that the French club had made an approach before admitting that he is happy with life at Gremio.

“It seems that an offer has arrived, apparently from Monaco, but I haven’t spoken to my coach about it yet,” he said, via GFFN. “I have a contract here.

"I am happy and focused on Grêmio. The upcoming championship is thrilling.”

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